The Coach's NHL Puckline PUNISHER
(NHL) Minnesota vs. Detroit,
Point Spread: 1.50 | -175.00 Minnesota (Away)
Result: Win
The Detroit Red Wings have been hot of late, winning six of their last seven games coming off four victories in a row. Hosting the slumping Minnesota Wild may seem like a mismatch, but I think the Wild will give the Wings a run for their money.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Return From Injury - Devan Dubnyk has had a positive impact in net since coming over from Coyotes, but the Wild could have their star netminder Darcy Kuemper available for this contest. He was activated from injured reserve yesterday, and as Dubnyk started in Columbus last night we could see Kuemper in goal tonight. Mikael Granlund is another key player that could be available, to the delight of coach Mike Yeo: "(Granlund) is a guy that's a huge part of our lineup and a huge part of our team, and certainly we've missed him".

2. Previous Meetings - The Wild have won three of the last four meetings overall and both of the last two match-ups in Detroit.

3. X-Factor - Minnesota won its last game on the road 7-0, a game where team leading Jason Pominville had three assists.

Selection: This is a play on the Minnesota Wild +1.5. (8*)