The Florida Panthers closed out 2017 with five straight victories (the last four at home), but I think they'll open the new year with a loss here at Minnesota. The Panthers are just 7-10-2 on the road this season and the Wild are among the strongest home teams in the NHL at 12-4-2. They've won seven of the last eight home at Xcel Energy Center and the Wild will no doubt be angry and ready to bounce back from a 3-0 loss at Nashville on Dec. 30.

My selection is an 8* play on Minnesota Wild.