Avalanche vs Wild Picks and Prediction – 3/12/2025

The Colorado Avalanche visit the Xcel Energy Center to take on the Minnesota Wild in a Western Conference matchup. Colorado is on a five-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-4. Minnesota has dropped three of its last four, including a 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh. The Avalanche won the last meeting 5-2 on February 28 and will look to keep rolling against a struggling Wild team. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Colorado has been dominant offensively, scoring at least four goals in five straight games. Nathan MacKinnon leads the charge with 100 points (27 goals, 73 assists), while the team averages 3.36 goals per game. The power play is strong at 24.2%, but injuries could be a concern with Cale Makar, Josh Manson, Martin Necas, and Valeri Nichushkin all questionable.

Defensively, the Avalanche allow 2.95 goals per game and limit opponents to 26.4 shots per contest. Mackenzie Blackwood has been solid in net with a 2.54 GAA and .914 save percentage. The penalty kill stands at 79%, and despite missing key defensemen, Colorado has remained strong in its zone.

Minnesota has struggled to generate offense, averaging just 2.77 goals per game. Matt Boldy leads the team with 54 points, while Kirill Kaprizov has 23 goals. The power play is at 20.1%, but missing Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin could be a problem against Colorado’s attack.

Defensively, the Wild allow 2.86 goals per game and have one of the worst penalty kills in the league at 69.9%. Filip Gustavsson has been reliable with a 2.60 GAA and .914 save percentage, but Minnesota also allows 29.7 shots per game, which could spell trouble against the Avalanche's offensive firepower.

Colorado holds a clear offensive edge, averaging nearly a full goal more per game. Nathan MacKinnon is on a tear, and the Avalanche’s power play should exploit Minnesota’s weak penalty kill. Colorado has won five straight and took the last matchup 5-2. With the Wild struggling and shorthanded, the Avalanche should extend their streak. Final Score Prediction: Colorado Avalanche wins 4-2.