Minnesota (43-30-7) at Vancouver (37-29-13)
- When: Apr 12 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, CAN
- TV: FDSN
NHL Expert Preview: Minnesota Wild at Vancouver Canucks
Moneyline: Vancouver -117 | Total: 5.5
Vancouver Canucks Betting Outlook
The Vancouver Canucks return home after back-to-back road wins, looking to wrap up the regular season on a positive note. Though mathematically eliminated from playoff contention after Minnesota’s wild 8-7 OT win against San Jose earlier this week, Vancouver still has pride—and individual milestones—on the line.
Their latest win came in convincing fashion, topping the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 despite Colorado resting star Nathan MacKinnon. Goaltender Kevin Lankinen delivered an impressive 31-save performance to help secure the sweep of the season series against the Avs for the first time since 2016-17.
Forward Kiefer Sherwood netted the game-winner and has quietly become one of the Canucks’ bright spots. Alongside Conor Garland, both players sit at 19 goals and will be motivated to hit the 20-goal mark on home ice. Expect them to be more involved offensively as head coach Rick Tocchet shifts lineups to give opportunities in milestone-chasing scenarios.
Player Prop Leans (VAN):
Kiefer Sherwood Over 0.5 Points
Quinn Hughes Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
ATS Angle: The Canucks have covered in 4 of their last 5 home games and seem focused on closing strong despite missing the playoffs.
Minnesota Wild Betting Outlook
Minnesota missed a golden chance to clinch a playoff berth Friday, falling 4-2 to Calgary despite having their full lineup back. The Wild now sit tied with the Blues for the top wild card in the West, making this a critical road finale before they host Anaheim in their regular-season closer.
They’ve struggled with consistency, dropping five of their last seven games, but the return of Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek provides a major boost. Kaprizov, returning from surgery, and Ek, back from a lengthy injury absence, weren’t factors in the Calgary loss but were red-hot in their return, combining for six goals in a thriller over the Sharks.
Goaltending has been shaky. Marc-Andre Fleury replaced Filip Gustavsson late against Calgary and stopped all three shots faced. With playoff implications on the line, it’s likely the Wild give Fleury the nod in net here.
Player Prop Leans (MIN):
Kirill Kaprizov Anytime Goal Scorer
Matt Boldy Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
ATS Angle: Minnesota is just 2-5 in their last seven overall, and 1-4 in their last five on the road. They’ve struggled to put together a complete 60 minutes, which could be dangerous with Vancouver playing loose and confident.
Expert Prediction & Best Bet
The Canucks have nothing to lose, while the Wild are battling tight playoff pressure. With Vancouver playing some of its best hockey lately and getting solid goaltending from Lankinen, they’re a live dog—or in this case, a slight home favorite—for good reason.
Pick: Canucks ML (-117)
Predicted Score: Canucks 3, Wild 2
Best Prop Bet: Sherwood Anytime Goal (+360 Value)
Vancouver’s recent form and home-ice momentum give them the edge, especially with Minnesota showing signs of fatigue and inconsistent goaltending.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
