The Avalanche vs. Wild second-round series has finally arrived, with Colorado playing host to Minnesota on Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. ET. On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Avalanche are -205 home favorites on the Moneyline, and the game’s total is set at O/U 5.5 goals.

Below, I’ll provide an Avalanche vs. Wild Game 1 prediction and pick.

Avalanche vs. Wild Game 1 prediction, preview

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche swept the Kings in four games in the first round, and it didn’t even look like the club was playing its best hockey, primarily due to Los Angeles’ extremely safe and defensive approach. Colorado netted 13 goals but allowed just five goals across four first-round games, and will need to show glimpses of its regular-season self in this second-round series against a battle-tested Wild team. I’m sure there will be some out there who think the Avalanche will be unprepared after such a weak first-round opponent, but we’re talking about the best offensive team in the league. Colorado led the league in goals per game, was easily the best 5v5 team, and has endless depth. Plus, Scott Wedgewood was incredible in the first round with a 1.21 GAA and .950 SV%.

Minnesota Wild

On the other bench will be a Wild team that finally broke its playoff series win curse. Minnesota topped Dallas in six games in the first round, averaging 3.8 goals and allowing 2.5 goals per game. Considering the Stars held better odds of winning the Stanley Cup than the Wild at the start of that series, this team proved it can hang in the postseason. One major positive for Minnesota is that it outscored Dallas, 14-4, when playing at 5v5, and that should pay dividends against such a successful 5v5 team like Colorado. Jesper Wallstedt was elite with a 2.05 GAA and .924 SV%, and he ranks seventh in goals saved above expected this postseason, three spots behind Wedgewood.

Avalanche vs. Wild Game 1 pick, best bet

Best Bet: COL Avalanche 60-Min Line (-120)

Colorado’s Moneyline price is already a bit too juiced for my liking, so let’s pivot to the 60-Min Line. I think the Wild can put up a fight and hang in this series, but the Avalanche have the rest advantage and went 29-9-6 at home during the regular season.