The Chicago Blackhawks (21-23-8) hit the road to take on the Minnesota Wild (29-14-10) in a Central Division rivalry matchup. The Blackhawks, sitting sixth in the division with 50 points, are looking to build on a recent road win streak amid offensive struggles, while the second-place Wild (68 points) aim to rebound from a home loss with their strong defensive structure despite multiple injuries. This game could be low-scoring given both teams’ recent trends and the Wild’s dominance in the series.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This 18,064-capacity arena has been the Wild’s home since 2000 and is known for its intense atmosphere in divisional games.
Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT).
Recent Team Forms
The Blackhawks have been inconsistent but show road resilience, going 4-4-2 in their last 10 games with a -3 goal differential. They’ve won their last four road games, including a 3-2 victory over Tampa Bay, but a recent 1-5 home loss to Florida exposed defensive issues. Chicago averages 2.6 goals per game lately while allowing 3.0, struggling with a scoring drought.
The Wild have been solid overall but hit a minor skid, posting a 5-3-2 record in their last 10 with a +5 goal differential. They dropped their most recent game 3-4 to Florida at home but have won three of their last five. Minnesota averages 3.2 goals per game in this stretch while conceding 2.7, relying on strong goaltending despite injuries.
| Team | Last 10 Record | Goals For (Avg) | Goals Against (Avg) | Streak |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 4-4-2 | 2.6 | 3.0 | W4 (road) |
| Minnesota Wild | 5-3-2 | 3.2 | 2.7 | L1 |
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both sides, with the Wild particularly hit hard on defense and forward depth, potentially leading to more cautious play.
Chicago Blackhawks:
Shea Weber (D, ankle): Out for the season, placed on IR early in the year.
sportsbookwire.usatoday.com +1
Teuvo Teravainen (F, upper body): Expected to return for this game after missing recent action; participated in practice.
chicago.suntimes.com +3
Frank Nazar (F, upper body): Recently activated from IR after missing 14 games.
Overall: Depth adjustments with Nick Lardis sent to AHL; core lineup nearing full strength.
Minnesota Wild:
Jonas Brodin (D, lower body): Out 6-8 weeks; significant loss to the blue line.
Mats Zuccarello (F, lower body): Out 7-8 weeks minimum.
Zach Bogosian (D, lower body/undisclosed): On IR, not ready to return; expected out until at least late January.
Matt Boldy (F) and Joel Eriksson Ek (F): On IR since mid-January; progressing but status uncertain for this game.
Kirill Kaprizov (F): Recovering, on ice protocol; possible return soon.
Overall: Two players officially listed for this matchup, but depth severely tested with multiple absences.
Key
Player Matchups
This divisional battle features young stars and veteran anchors, with injuries forcing adjustments that could highlight speed vs. physicality.
Connor Bedard (Blackhawks F) vs. Kirill Kaprizov (Wild F): Bedard, Chicago’s offensive engine with his elite shot, faces Kaprizov (if cleared), Minnesota’s dynamic scorer. This could be a high-skill duel on transitions.
Philipp Kurashev (Blackhawks C) vs. Marco Rossi (Wild C): Two-way centers; Kurashev’s playmaking vs. Rossi’s defensive reliability in faceoffs (Rossi at 52%).
Teuvo Teravainen (Blackhawks F) vs. Marcus Johansson (Wild F): Teravainen’s return adds finesse for Chicago, challenging Johansson’s veteran presence on the wings.
Goaltending: Arvid Soderblom (Blackhawks) vs. Filip Gustavsson (Wild): Soderblom (.905 SV%) needs to step up on the road; Gustavsson (.918 SV%) has been steady at home despite team injuries.
Key X-Factor: Jared Spurgeon (Wild D) could control the pace against Chicago’s forwards, exploiting the Blackhawks’ road vulnerabilities.
Series History
The Wild hold a strong recent edge, going 9-0-1 in the last 10 meetings. Overall, Minnesota leads the all-time series 68-49 in 117 games (58.1% win rate). Playoff history favors Chicago (3 series wins), but regular-season games average 5.4 total goals, with unders hitting lately. At home, the Wild are 38-11 vs. Chicago.
| Last 5 Head-to-Head Games | Date | Result | Total Goals |
| Blackhawks @ Wild | 11/26/2025 | Wild 4-3 | 7 |
| Wild @ Blackhawks | 03/15/2025 | Wild 3-1 | 4 |
| Blackhawks @ Wild | 12/10/2024 | Wild 5-2 | 7 |
| Wild @ Blackhawks | 10/22/2024 | Wild 4-3 (OT) | 7 |
| Blackhawks @ Wild | 04/07/2024 | Wild 2-1 | 3 |
Betting Trends
Moneyline: Minnesota has won 70% of home games as favorites this season.
Puck Line: Wild -1.5 (+125), Blackhawks +1.5 (-150). Chicago is 12-14 ATS on the road; Wild 17-9 ATS at home.
Over/Under: 5.5 (Over -105, Under -115). The under has hit in 5 of the last 6 head-to-heads and 15 of Chicago’s last 19 road games.
Trends: Wild are 3-2 in last 5 games; Blackhawks 1-4 in last 5 as road underdogs. Models give Wild a 67% win probability.
Game Odds
Chicago Blackhawks 6.5
Minnesota Wild – 218
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 26, 2026
