NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild (Friday, August 7)

The Minnesota Wild are down to the last out in their best-of-5 series with the Canucks. The Wild won Game 1 thanks to a hot power play and a shutout by Alex Stalock. They created 4.37 expected goals and 24 high-danger scoring chances at 5-on-five during the regular season, but they haven't been able to beat Jacob Markstrom at even strength.

The Minnesota Wild are down to their last out in their best-of-5 series with the Canucks. The Wild have been the slightly better team at 5-on-five but have not beaten Jacob Markstrom at even strength. Ryan Suter left Game 3 with seven minutes to go. If Sutter is unable to play, the Wild should be bet for +105 or better. The other bet I am considering is a play on Minnesota to win the series at +250. Game 4 is on Friday, August 7.

Expected goals (xG) is a statistic that gives an indication of whether results are based on sustainable factors like the steady creation of scoring chances or whether it is down to aspects such as shooting luck or outstanding goaltending. An expected goals rate above 50% is considered good, while anything below 50%.

Vancouver Canucks play Minnesota Wild on Friday, August 7.