Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Broadcast: Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Ohio, ESPN+
The Minnesota Wild (20-9-5) roll into Columbus to face the Blue Jackets (14-13-6) in the first of two meetings this season. Minnesota, one of the Western Conference’s top teams, brings elite goaltending and balanced scoring on the road against a Blue Jackets squad showing resilience at home despite inconsistencies. The Wild enter as moderate road favorites, looking to extend their strong form against an Eastern opponent hungry for points in the Metropolitan Division race.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Afternoon)
Minnesota Wild:
Joel Eriksson Ek (C, lower body): Out – Week-to-week; significant loss in faceoffs and checking line.
Jared Spurgeon (D, upper body): Questionable – Game-time decision after full practice.
Jake Middleton (D, maintenance): Probable
Core stars Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Filip Gustavsson fully available; Marc-André Fleury backup option.
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Boone Jenner (C, upper body): Out (IR) – Captain’s absence impacts leadership and penalty kill.
Erik Gudbranson (D, suspension/soreness): Out
Kent Johnson (F, shoulder recovery): Questionable – Trending toward return but limited.
Elvis Merzļikins (G): Expected starter; Daniil Tarasov backup.
Key forwards Adam Fantilli, Sean Monahan, and Zach Werenski healthy.
Wild missing key center depth; Blue Jackets’ defense thinned but offensive leaders intact.
Key Player Matchups
Kirill Kaprizov vs. Zach Werenski: Kaprizov’s dynamic scoring and edge work (~1.4 PPG pace) tests Werenski’s offensive joins and defensive positioning; Werenski’s point shot could counter on PP.
Matt Boldy/Marco Rossi vs. Sean Monahan/Adam Fantilli: Minnesota’s young forwards’ speed vs. Columbus’ emerging centers; neutral-zone turnovers and cycle play decisive.
Filip Gustavsson vs. Blue Jackets Shooters: Gustavsson’s Vezina-caliber form (.925 SV% lately) vs. Fantilli’s rush chances and Monahan’s net-front presence.
Power Play Battle: Wild’s efficient PP (Kaprizov/Boldy) vs. Blue Jackets’ aggressive PK; Columbus’ home PP strong with Werenski quarterbacking.
Physicality/Forecheck: Minnesota’s structured system vs. Columbus’ gritty home style; board battles and transition defense key.
Game likely features strong goaltending and opportunistic scoring; discipline and special teams could swing outcome.
Team Records and Standings Context
Minnesota Wild: 20-9-5 (Top-3 Central Division). Elite goaltending and depth driving playoff lock status.
Columbus Blue Jackets: 14-13-6 (Mid-pack Metropolitan Division). Competitive rebuild showing flashes; home record bolstering points.
Recent Team Form
Wild: 7-2-1 in last 10, including dominant 4-1 road win over Florida (Dec 16) with Kaprizov multi-point night. Allowing under 2.5 goals in wins; road defense stifling.
Blue Jackets: 5-4-1 in last 10, with recent home split including gritty OT win. Offensive bursts from young core but vulnerable to high-danger chances; seeking consistency.
Minnesota rolling with confidence; Columbus resilient at Nationwide but facing tough opponent.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Wild lead ~28-22-6.
Recent (Last 10): Wild 7-2-1; often decided by goaltending.
2025-26 Season: First meeting.
At Nationwide Arena: Split lately; Wild won 3 of last 5 visits, but close margins.
Betting Trends
Wild strong ATS on road (10-6); covering as moderate favorites.
Blue Jackets profitable as home underdogs; mixed totals but unders in recent structured games.
Value in Wild winning but game staying competitive.
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild – 115
Columbus Blue Jackets 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
