Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche Betting Pick & Prediction for Game 1 on 5/3

bangthebook nhl game preview

The NHL Playoffs are heating up as the Minnesota Wild take on the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of a new playoff round. This best-of-2 series is currently tied at 0-0, and both teams are eager to make their mark. The game is set to take place at Ball Arena on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 9:00 PM.

Fans can catch the action live on TNT. The Minnesota Wild, led by Head Coach John Hynes, will look to extend their current winning streak. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche, under the guidance of Head Coach Jared Bednar, aim to continue their unbeaten postseason run. Both teams belong to the Western Conference and Central Division, adding extra rivalry to the game.

Wild vs Avalanche Game Day Info

  • Sport: NHL
  • Teams: Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
  • Venue: Ball Arena
  • Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
  • Betting Odds: Colorado Avalanche MoneyLine -182, Minnesota Wild MoneyLine +156

Minnesota Wild Team Preview

The Minnesota Wild have shown strong performance in their recent playoff games. They won three of their last five games, with victories over the Dallas Stars. In these games, they scored a total of 23 goals, ranking them second in the postseason for goals scored.

Matt Boldy has been a standout player for the Wild, scoring six goals and providing three assists in six games. His efforts have been complemented by Kirill Kaprizov, who has two goals and seven assists. Quinn Hughes also contributed with two goals and six assists, adding depth to their attack.

In goal, Jesper Wallstedt has been solid, recording 171 saves in six games. He has allowed 14 goals, placing the Wild sixth in goals against for the postseason. His performance in the net has been key to the team’s success so far.

Colorado Avalanche Team Preview

The Colorado Avalanche are on a roll in the postseason. They have won all four games in the first round against the Los Angeles Kings. Their recent victory was a 5-1 win, where Nathan MacKinnon scored twice.

The team’s defense has been strong, allowing just five goals in four games. Scott Wedgewood has been solid in goal with 96 saves. The Avalanche have also shown their strength in blocking shots and delivering hits.

Key players like Gabriel Landeskog and Artturi Lehkonen are contributing well. Landeskog has four points with two goals and two assists. Lehkonen also has four points and is making a significant impact with 11 hits.

BTB Betting Pick

The Colorado Avalanche are favored to win against the Minnesota Wild with a moneyline of -182. The Wild, with a moneyline of +156, have shown strong postseason performance, ranking high in goals and assists. However, the Avalanche’s defense, with the fewest goals against, makes them the pick to win with a projected score of Colorado 4, Minnesota 2.

The over/under line is set at 5.5 with the over at -133. Both teams have shown scoring capabilities, but the Avalanche’s solid defense could keep the score lower. The projected total is 6, suggesting a recommendation to take the over.