NHL Hockey Betting - Minnesota Wild

NHL Betting 2007-08 – Minnesota Wild
Manager: Jacques Lemaire
Arena: Xcel Energy Center
Last Season: 48-26-8, 104 pts (2nd Northwest, 7th Western Conference)
2008 Prediction: 2nd Western Conference

Preseason Odds to win Stanley Cup: +1200

The Wild were absolutely embarrassed last season when they met the Anaheim Ducks. Last year the Wild finally found a number one goalie in Niklas Backstrom. This team is predicated on strong skating, and they can bust through the blue-line like no other team in the NHL odds. But their success, as always, remains dependent on the health of Marion Gaborik.

Gaborik scored 57 points last season, but only played in 48 games due to injury. When he was on the ice, the Wild were electric and extremely difficult to beat down the stretch. When Gaborik was injured, they weren’t even competitive. Bolstering the scoring in Minnesota is Brian Rolston, who is fast becoming a top-shelf threat whenever he touches the puck. He skates hard, is impossible to bring down and has a massive shot that is deadly accurate.

Rounding out the scoring is Mikko Koivu, Pavol Demitra and Mark Parrish. Demitra is a smart veteran who must continue to play at a high level despite beginning to crest in age. Parrish is the largest concern because his 19-goal performance is not what his native Minnesota Wild are paying him for. They need more.

The Wild lack any big name defensemen, but that didn’t stop them from being the best defense in the league. They allowed a stunningly few 191 goals last year, which was best in the league. Jacques Lemaire is a defensive mastermind, and will always put forth a strong defensive unit no matter who is on his roster.

The Wild will enjoy success this year because their worries over finding a number one goaltender are over. Niklas Backstrom showed phenomenal ability between the pipes last year, and his defensemen protected him extremely well. Teams will begin to figure out Vancouver, especially if Roberto Luongo fails to keep up the frantic pace he set for himself last year. If that window opens, the Wild are going to be the ones jumping through it and landing first in the Northwest Division.

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Official Website: www.wild.com