Flames vs. Wild Prediction & Best Bets for Thursday, April 28: Look for Wild to Extinguish Flames

The Minnesota Wild are set to host the Calgary Flames at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday night. With a win, the Wild can clinch home ice advantage in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Minnesota is coming off an embarrassing loss to the lowly Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night. They left points on the table and failed to gain ground in the tight Central Division points race.

Despite the loss, Minnesota has still won 8 of their last 10 games. They have secured points in 10 of their last 11 matchups and are currently holding onto the #2 seed in the Central Division.

The race for the #2 seed in the Central is going to come down to the final two games of the regular season. The Wild and Blues are currently tied in the standings with 109 points a piece.

The Calgary Flames have a 3 game win streak that they are looking to extend. Their most recent win was a dramatic overtime tilt against the Nashville Predators. Matthew Tkachuk scored with less than 0.1 seconds left in the 3rd period to send the game into extra time. From there, the Flames went on to score and steal a 5-4 win on the road.

Calgary Flames vs Minnesota Wild Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Calgary Flames (50-20-10) vs Minnesota Wild (51-22-7)
• Venue: Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul, MN)
• Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Flames vs Wild: NHL Network, ESPN+ (subscription)

Flames vs Wild Betting Odds

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

Fanduel Sportsbook

• Spread: Flames +1.5 (-255), Wild -1.5 (+205)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110), Under 6.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Flames +105, Wild -126

Bovada Sportsbook

• Spread: Flames +1.5 (-240), Wild -1.5 (+200)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+105), Under 6.5 (-125)
• Moneyline: Flames +100, Wild -120

BetUS

• Spread: Flames +1.5 (-240), Wild -1.5 (+195)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+102), Under 6.5 (-120)
• Moneyline: Flames +102, Wild -118

Wild to Put Out the Flames

Minnesota has a knack for ending opposing teams’ win streaks when they visit Xcel Energy Center. The last eight times that the Wild have hosted a team that is on a win streak, Minnesota has won the game.

With the recent success added to this stat line, Minnesota has all the tools necessary to clinch the #2 seed in the Central Division tonight. If they can stay disciplined and avoid giving the Flames too many power play opportunities, the Wild will surely score enough to get the lead and keep it.

The only thing that the Wild have struggled with this season is special teams. They have committed the 3rd most penalties in the league and their penalty kill ranks in the bottom 5.

Calgary has already clinched the Pacific Division and has no opportunity to increase their seed potential. They are solely looking to sustain momentum and stay healthy before the start of the postseason.

With more to play for, I expect the Wild to come out firing. They are playing their best hockey toward the end of the season and have the drive to clinch a higher playoff seed.

Both teams will score in this matchup, but look for Minnesota to jump out early and have the lead going into the final minutes of the game. Your best bet is to take the moneyline for this game, as I predict a close final score between two capable offenses.

Flames vs Wild Prediction and Best Bets

Prediction: Wild 4 Flames 3

Best Bets: Wild on the moneyline (-118 on BetUS and -120 on Bovada Sportsbook)

Flames vs Wild Best Prop Bets

1st period total goals Over 1.5 (-146 on BetOnline Sportsbook)