The Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild are set to face off in a crucial late-season matchup on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. This game carries significant playoff implications for the Wild, as they need one more point to officially clinch a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Ducks will look to play spoiler and end their season on a high note.
Game Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
Team Overview & Recent Form
Minnesota Wild (44-30-7)
The Wild enter this matchup with 95 points, sitting in the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference. A win or an overtime/shootout loss would secure their playoff berth, setting up a first-round matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. Minnesota has dominated Anaheim this season, winning both previous meetings 5-2 and 5-1.
- Key Players:
- Kirill Kaprizov – Has been a nightmare for Anaheim, recording three goals and three assists (six points) in two games against the Ducks.
- Mats Zuccarello – Scored the overtime winner in Minnesota’s last game against Vancouver.
- Filip Gustavsson – Expected to start in goal, boasting a 2-0-0 record against Anaheim this season with a 1.50 GAA and .952 SV%.
- Strengths:
- Home Ice Advantage: Minnesota has won nine of the last ten meetings against Anaheim.
- Playoff Motivation: The Wild control their own destiny and will be playing with urgency.
- Weaknesses:
- Defensive Consistency: Minnesota has allowed 3.6 goals per game over their last ten contests.
- Pressure Factor: The Wild must avoid costly mistakes with their playoff hopes on the line.
Anaheim Ducks (35-37-8)
The Ducks have been eliminated from playoff contention but will look to end their season on a positive note. Anaheim has struggled against Minnesota, losing both previous matchups this season and nine of their last ten meetings overall.
- Key Players:
- Cutter Gauthier – Has been red-hot, scoring five goals in his last five games.
- Troy Terry – Leads Anaheim with 20 goals and 34 assists.
- Lukas Dostal – Expected to start in goal, but has struggled against Minnesota, allowing five goals on 31 shots in their first meeting.
- Strengths:
- Young Talent: Gauthier has emerged as a future star for Anaheim.
- Playing Spoiler: The Ducks have nothing to lose and could disrupt Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
- Weaknesses:
- Defensive Struggles: Anaheim has allowed 3.6 goals per game over their last ten contests.
- Road Performance: The Ducks have a 14-19-6 record away from home.
Matchup Analysis & Prediction
- Minnesota’s Playoff Push vs. Anaheim’s Pride: The Wild are desperate for a win or at least one point, while the Ducks are looking to end their season on a high note.
- Key Battle: Kirill Kaprizov vs. Cutter Gauthier—Kaprizov has dominated Anaheim, but Gauthier has been Anaheim’s best player in recent games.
- X-Factor: Filip Gustavsson—His strong track record against Anaheim could be the deciding factor.
Anaheim Ducks 5.5
Minnesota Wild – 278
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 14, 2025
