Wild vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs Game 5 Picks

Wild vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs Game 5 Picks

The Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche are set for Game 5 of their NHL Western Conference semifinals playoff series on Wednesday night. Puck drop is slated for 8:10 PM ET at Ball Arena in Denver.

The Avalanche own a commanding 3-1 series lead, and they are looking to seal the deal and find the win column in Game 5 to secure their spot in the Western Conference Finals. 

On the other side, the Wild are looking to stay alive and force a Game 6 that would take series back to Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul.

Wild vs Avalanche Game 5 Predictions

Pick #1: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 over Minnesota Wild (+125)

Pick #2: Over 6.5 (-105)

Pick #3: Martin Necas anytime goalscorer (+145)

Pick #1: Avalanche -1.5 over Wild (+125)

Playing on home ice, the Avalanche scored nine goals in Game 1 and five goals in Game 2. Throughout the regular season, Colorado ranked second in the NHL, scoring 3.80 goals per game on home ice. As the series shifts back to Denver, look for the Avalanche to continue their high-flying efforts in front of their home fans. 

Minnesota has won a playoff series for the first time since 2014-15, but they might be running out of gas. The Wild are an ultra-talented team, but the Avalanche have simply been too much to handle. Colorado boasts a significant edge when it comes to postseason experience, and that experience is shining bright in this series. With the way the Avs are rolling, they are the team to back in this Game 5 matchup.

Furthermore, it’s likely that Minnesota will be in a state of pure desperation as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. With that in mind, Wild head coach John Hynes could opt to pull his goalie earlier than usual if his team is down late. That keeps the door open for not only one, but multiple empty-net goals. That kind of formula is extremely conducive to the Avalanche on the puck line.

Pick #2: Over 6.5 (-105)

There has been no shortage of goals through the first four games of this series, as Colorado and Minnesota have combined to average 8.75 goals per game in this series. Yes, that number is a bit inflated because of Game 1’s 9-6 result, but Games 2-4 still featured 6.7 goals per game. In short, both teams know how to put the puck in the back of the net.

The Wild have their backs against the wall, and that could result in an ultra-aggressive approach in the offensive zone. Minnesota is a strong offensive team with plenty of talent, and they have scored 15 goals through four games in this series. However, Colorado’s elite scoring prowess has led to Minnesota’s offensive effort not being enough. As the Wild look to put the pressure on, their over-aggressive mindset would lead to a better offensive night. However, it would also lead to more odd-man rushes for Colorado going the other way. Either way, that style of play is ideal for a high-scoring affair.

Pick #3: Martin Necas (COL) anytime goalscorer (+145)

Martin Necas put together a sensational regular-season campaign in which he potted 38 goals through 78 games. He also posted a shooting percentage of 18.4%, which was a career-high. However, Necas hasn’t found much goal-scoring success so far in the playoffs. He has just a single goal through eight playoff games, but it’s not for a lack of effort. 

The 27-year-old forward has fired 22 shots on goal in the postseason, and he is the only player on the Avalanche to have 15+ shots but less than two goals in the playoffs. He continues to see top-line minutes alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, and he is still patrolling Colorado’s top power play unit. The opportunities are there, and it could just be a matter of time before he finds the back of the net again.