Three things you should know before betting on Bruins-Wild:
1. The Bruins are coming off of a big overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks, which means Boston has now won each of its last three games. It is, however, going to be tough for the Bruins to quickly turn around and face the Wild in this one. It's never easy to win a road back-to-back in the NHL, but it's going to be especially tiring for Boston after having just played extra hockey last night. The Wild also happened to have won 3-2 when these teams met in January. Minnesota should also be rather hungry for a victory in this contest, as the team has lost two in a row and seven of its last 10.
2. In addition to the Wild playing a tired version of a team they've already beaten this season, Minnesota is also 6-0 when coming off a home loss by two or more goals this season — and they're 12-2 when they're coming off a home loss by three or more goals over the last three seasons. The Wild are also 24-8 when coming off a home loss over the last three seasons. Look for Minnesota to come out with a lot of energy, as the team won't want to let this losing streak last. Keep an eye on Kirill Kaprizov, who is one of the most explosive players in the world. If Boston's tired legs show, Kaprizov will make the Bruins pay.
3. The Wild are scoring 3.67 goals per game this season, which is good for fourth in the league. Minnesota also gives up the 11th-most goals per game in the league, which makes this team an Over bettor's dream. The Over also happens to be 12-4 when Minnesota is coming off a home loss over the last two seasons, and it's 9-1 when the team is playing at home after a division game this year. Also, it should help Over bettors that the Bruins are going to be tired in this one. Minnesota will take advantage of that and it should make this a more open game later in the contest.
THE PICKS: Wild ML AND Over 6
