Sunday, March 23, 6:30 PM on NBCS

Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Minnesota's playoff spot appears to be set with only 11 games left to play despite a recent skid of tough losses. Detroit would love nothing more than to say that about themselves even though they find themselves in one of the tightest Eastern Conference postseason races in recent memory. The teams will definitely be familiar with each other as Sunday nights game is part of a home/road back to back series.

Besides Sunday night's game being a back to back matchup, the Wild could be on tired skates from playing three extra period games in their last 9 matchups. An overtime loss to Colorado, a shootout win over Edmonton, and an overtime win over Pittsburgh are all on the rap sheet for Minnesota's recent games. Their 4-6 recent record is indicative of nothing much to gain or lose in playoff seeding against the stacked Western Conference.

Detroit is scratching and clawing to acquire and keep the Western Conference's 8th playoff slot. The Red Wings are only 5-5 in their last 10 but it has been enough to stay within a single point of the Rangers. Detroit is not enjoying their usual success on their home ice with only a 15-11-9 record at The Joe this season. That being said, the Red Wings have won 4 straight on their home ice and would love to continue that streak against Minnesota.

Prior to Saturday night's matchup the teams last met almost a year to the day on March 20th of 2013. Minnesota earned a solid road victory going into Detroit and scoring 3 second period goals en route to a 4-2 win. Those who believed in the Wild all along were rewarded with a +123 moneyline payout and the over bettors cashed their tickets as well.

ATS Trends

Minnesota is 13-22 straight up on the road this season

Minnesota is 11-15-9 against the over/under on the road this season

Detroit is 15-20 straight up at home this season

Detroit is 15-15-4 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota 

03/21/14 D Nate Prosser Possible Suspension questionable
03/20/14 D Keith Ballard Groin questionable
03/12/14 LW Jason Zucker Leg out indefinitely
03/05/14 GO Niklas Backstrom Abdominal out for season
01/06/14 GO Josh Harding Illness out indefinitely

Detroit 

03/19/14 D Jonathan Ericsson Finger expected to miss 4-6 weeks
03/18/14 LW Justin Abdelkader Leg expected to miss 2 weeks
03/15/14 RW Tomas Jurco Ribs expected to miss 2-4 weeks
03/10/14 C Joakim Andersson Foot out indefinitely
03/06/14 C Stephen Weiss Hernia out indefinitely
03/05/14 C Pavel Datsyuk Knee expected to miss 3-4 weeks
03/04/14 RW Daniel Cleary Knee out indefinitely
03/04/14 C Darren Helm Concussion out indefinitely
02/21/14 LW Henrik Zetterberg Back out for regular season

Josh's Pick: Take Minnesota

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