Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV/Streaming: NESN, Wild+, MINNHL, ESPN+ (select markets)
This is the second meeting of the 2026-27 season. Minnesota won the first matchup 4-1 on October 3 in St. Paul (Kirill Kaprizov scored twice).
Recent Team Forms
Wild: One of the NHL’s strongest teams early, sitting atop the Central Division and Western Conference. They are 8-0-2 in their last 10 and have been excellent defensively (league-best or near-best goals against around 2.19 per game). Recent results include a 5-2 win at Toronto on November 12 and a 2-1 OT win at Montreal. Offense is paced by Kirill Kaprizov (elite production) and strong contributions from Matt Boldy and Quinn Hughes. Jesper Wallstedt has been outstanding in net.
Bruins: Solid Atlantic Division contender with a strong home record (around 8-2-0). They dropped a 5-2 decision to Montreal on November 12 after a solid stretch that included wins over Florida, Pittsburgh, and Vegas. David Pastrnak leads the offense; Charlie McAvoy anchors the blue line. They average roughly 3.6 goals for and 2.4 against. Special teams and discipline (higher PIM totals) are areas to monitor.
Injury Reports
Minnesota Wild:
Brock Faber (D, skull fracture from preseason) — Expected to make season debut or be close; coach John Hynes indicated a chance for Saturday.
Joel Eriksson Ek (C, upper body) — Day-to-day (left Nov. 12 game vs. Toronto).
Filip Gustavsson (G, hip) — Out / LTIR (expected mid-to-late November).
Other depth players have rotated in/out earlier, but the core is largely intact.
Boston Bruins:
James Hagens (C, back) — Out / IR (expected around Nov. 21).
Limited other significant absences reported; depth forwards/defense have seen some healthy scratches.
Projected Lineups
Wild (approximate, subject to Eriksson Ek and Faber status):
Forwards: Kaprizov – Eriksson Ek (or alternate) – Boldy; Shabanov – Yurov – Trenin; Coleman – McCarron – Brink; Foligno – Hartman – Foligno (or similar depth)
Defense: Hughes – Brodin; Maatta – Spurgeon; Kiersted – Bogosian (Faber potential insertion)
Goalie: Jesper Wallstedt (projected starter; strong .925 SV% range) / Calvin Pickard
Bruins (recent projected style):
Forwards: Peterka – Zacha – Pastrnak; Eyssimont – Minten – Geekie; Mittelstadt – Lindholm – Khusnutdinov; Jeannot – Poitras – Kastelic
Defense: H. Lindholm – McAvoy; Zadorov – Borgen; Brunet – Lohrei
Goalie: Jeremy Swayman (projected) / Michael DiPietro
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Kirill Kaprizov / Matt Boldy vs. Charlie McAvoy / Hampus Lindholm: Minnesota’s top scoring threats against Boston’s top defensive pair. Kaprizov’s shot and playmaking will test the Bruins’ structure.
David Pastrnak vs. Quinn Hughes / Jonas Brodin: Pastrnak’s elite finishing against Minnesota’s mobile, high-end defense. Hughes’ offensive contributions from the blue line add another layer.
Goaltending: Wallstedt (elite early-season numbers) vs. Swayman (reliable home starter). Edge to Minnesota’s netminding form.
Special teams: Wild PP has been strong (~27%); Bruins will look to generate chances while staying out of the box (higher PIM rate).
Series History
Minnesota leads the 2026-27 series 1-0. Recent head-to-head has been competitive overall, with both teams capable of strong defensive efforts or offensive outbursts depending on special teams and goaltending. Home ice has often been a factor in past meetings.
Betting Trends
Wild excellent on the road and as favorites recently; strong under trends in some samples. Bruins solid at home and bounce-back capable after losses.
Minnesota’s elite defensive play, Wallstedt’s form, and star power (Kaprizov, Boldy, Hughes) should edge a competitive Bruins squad at TD Garden. Boston will generate chances through Pastrnak and home energy, but the Wild’s structure and road resilience make them slight favorites in a low-to-mid scoring affair. Expect a tight, well-played game decided by special teams or a late goal.
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild – 115
Boston Bruins 6
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 13, 2026
