The Minnesota Wild are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in an exciting matchup tonight at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game, which will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and KFAN FM 100.3, follows a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Buffalo Sabres.
Recent Performance of Both Teams
In their last five encounters with the Maple Leafs, the Wild have fared well, securing points in four games, with a record of 2-1-2. Notably, they swept the season series against Toronto last year.
The Maple Leafs arrive at this game with a strong record of 9-1-3 over their last 13 matches, dating back to December 23. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak at Scotia Bank Arena, having outscored their opponents by a staggering 35-16 during this span.
Starting Goaltenders and Key Statistics
- Filip Gustavsson is expected to start for the Wild. This will be his 200th career NHL game.
- In his last five road games, Gustavsson holds a 4-1-0 record, with a goals against average (GAA) of 2.41 and a save percentage (SV%) of .903.
- Gustavsson has faced the Maple Leafs four times previously, recording a 3-1-1 record with a GAA of 2.78 and a SV% of .907.
Injury Reports
Both teams will be missing key players for tonight’s game. The Wild will be without forwards Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Marcus Johansson, as well as defensemen Zach Bogosian and Jonas Brodin, all due to lower-body injuries.
On the other hand, the Maple Leafs will be missing their leading scorer, William Nylander, also nursing a lower-body injury. Matthew Knies, who ranks third on the team in points, is a game-time decision.
Players to Watch
- Ryan Hartman (Minnesota): Hartman has been in excellent form, recording five points (four goals and one assist) in his last six matches.
- Quinn Hughes (Minnesota): Coming off a multi-point game against Buffalo, Hughes boasts 14 points (one goal and 13 assists) in his last 11 games.
- Vladimir Tarasenko (Minnesota): Tarasenko has notched three points (one goal and two assists) in his last two games against the Maple Leafs.
As the Wild and Maple Leafs prepare to clash, the stage is set for an intriguing matchup filled with competitive spirit and skilled players. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere in Toronto tonight.
