Minnesota Wild vs St. Louis Blues

Minnesota plays its second straight game away from home, and the Wild (1-0-2) have lost their past two outings, both in extra time. This is the second road game on a seven-game trip. Wild defenseman/captain Jared Spurgeon missed the last game and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. St. Louis has had three days to rest after a three-game road trip to open the season. And they've played well, winning at Seattle and San Jose while losing 4-3 at Vegas. LW Brandon Saad missed the road trip on paternity leave but will be available for the home opener. He was fifth on the Blues with 42 points/26 goals last year and has averaged 23 goals in three seasons with them. St. Louis was 25-14-2 at home last year and this is a good situational and matchup spot for the home team. Play St. Louis.

This is likely the biggest game of the season for both of these teams that are sitting right on the edge of the playoffs, but neither are in as of right now. The winner of this game will strenghen their position. The Blues have really struggled on the road late in the season where every win counts as they are 3-7 in their last 10 road games. Their issue has been offense. Those last 10 road games has seen them score two or fewer goals in eight of them. Meanwhile, the Wild is taking advantage of home ice where they are 4-0 in their last four games taking the ice at home, and have won those games by a combined score of 14-7. I don't see much of an opportunity for St. Louis here, and will make the play on Minnesota.

Minnesota looks to avenge a 3-1 loss to the Blues on March 2nd when Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 24 of 26 shots, but didn't get much help on the offensive side. Fleury is probable tonight with a 16-11-3 record and a 2.70 goals-against average. Fleury has won his past four starts while allowing only six goals on 88 shots, including a 2-0 shutout against Anaheim on Thursday. The Wild have won three in a row and five of six while allowing a total of just 11 goals in six games. St. Louis has lost 23 of 34 versus Central Division opponents and they have lost six of 10 although the Blues did defeat Los Angeles 3-1 on Wednesday. Fleury has a 1.94 goals-against average since Jan. 13 and a .926 save percentage. Play the Wild as a Max Play.

This is a huge game from the standpoint that both these teams are on the outside of the playoffs looking in, as well as being separated in the standings by a single point. The St. Louis Blues are 1-5 in their last six games, with the only win coming via the shutout. The 5 losses tells more of the story as the Blues allowed 22 goals in the 5 games or 4.4 a contest. The Wild has played well over their last 11 games at 7-4. Minnesota has allowed three or fewer goals in 10 of their last 13 games. There is more to like about the Wild in this game as they have won the last three meetings, and have tallied 16 goals in the three contests. Make the play on Minnesota.