Class difference here. Minnesota has beaten Colorado six of the past seven times, including going 4-1 last season. The Wild have practically the same lineup in place from last year.

Minnesota is 14-4 in its last 18 road contests and is 3-0-1 in season openers under Mike Yeo.

I also like the Wild's goalie edge. Minnesota goalie Devan Dubnyk had a strong second half last season and was 3-0 in preseason. He is 10-6-1 lifetime versus Colorado with a 2,09 goals against average.

Avs goalie Semyon Varlamov had problems with the Wild last season, particularly early in the year. He's 8-8-1 lifetime versus Minnesota with a 2.29 GAA.