A Central Division showdown is on the horizon as the Minnesota Wild prepares to face the Dallas Stars tonight at 7:00 p.m. This matchup marks the second encounter between the teams this season. The first game took place on October 14 and ended with a 5-2 victory for the Stars. Players Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov scored for Minnesota, while Zeev Buium contributed two assists for Dallas.
Team Performance and Injury Updates
The Stars succeeded notably in that initial game, converting both of their power-play opportunities. Despite this, the Wild has shown defensive improvement recently, allowing only one power-play goal in the last ten games (25 attempts). However, they will be challenged further tonight as they deal with injuries to key players.
- Defenseman Jake Middleton: placed on Injured Reserve (upper body injury)
- Forward Mats Zuccarello: placed on Injured Reserve (upper body injury)
- Forward Vinnie Hinostroza: out (lower body injury)
- Forward Marcus Foligno: out (lower body injury)
- Forward Marco Rossi: out (lower body injury)
The Wild now must rely on their “next man up” approach to fill these gaps against the formidable Dallas lineup, boasting the NHL’s second-best record at 21-5-5.
Goalies Taking the Ice
Filip Gustavsson will start for Minnesota, aiming for his second consecutive win after stopping 23 shots against Seattle. He holds a respectable 4-1-2 record, 1.81 GAA, and .930 SV% over the last seven outings. Historically against the Stars, Gustavsson has a 3-4-0 record, featuring a 2.15 GAA and .929 SV%; he has not suffered back-to-back losses against them.
In net for Dallas will be Lakeville native Jake Oettinger. He currently has a 14-4-2 record, with a 2.49 GAA and .909 SV%. Oettinger has yet to lose in regulation against his hometown team, sporting an impressive 8-0-3 record with a 2.19 GAA and .926 SV% in his career against Minnesota.
Recent Home Performance
The Wild has enjoyed success lately at Grand Casino Arena, with a 7-0-2 record in their last nine home games. This streak is the third-longest home point streak in the NHL this season and mirrors their longest since a team-record 13-game streak in 2022.
Key Players to Watch
- Vladimir Tarasenko: In 37 career games against Dallas, he has amassed 31 points. He has scored in two consecutive encounters with the Stars.
- Kirill Kaprizov: Minnesota’s leading scorer has accumulated 16 points in just 11 games against Dallas, recording at least one point in nine of those matchups.
As the Wild face the Stars tonight, both teams will be eager for a crucial victory in this Central Division rivalry.
