The Minnesota Wild (24-10-7) travel to face the Anaheim Ducks (21-16-3) in a Western Conference matchup that pits the Central Division-leading Wild against a Ducks team fighting for playoff positioning in the Pacific.
Minnesota enters on a strong note after a 5-2 home win over the Vegas Golden Knights on December 31, showcasing their defensive prowess, while Anaheim looks to rebound from a 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, highlighting their offensive potential but goaltending inconsistencies.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This 17,174-capacity arena, home to the Ducks since 1993, is known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate fanbase, though attendance has averaged around 15,000 this season amid the team’s up-and-down performance.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET (9:30 PM CT / 7:30 PM PT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with regional coverage on Bally Sports SoCal and Bally Sports North, and streaming available via ESPN+.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with absences that could influence line combinations and special teams, particularly affecting depth forwards and defense.
Minnesota Wild: Mats Zuccarello is out (lower body, on IR since December 11, no timetable). Ryan Hartman is on IR (lower body). Marco Rossi is out (lower body). Dryden Hunt is out (undisclosed). These injuries deplete the Wild’s forward group, likely elevating roles for players like Marcus Johansson and forcing adjustments in the top six.
Anaheim Ducks: Frank Vatrano is out (broken shoulder, expected 6 weeks). Radko Gudas is day-to-day (illness). These losses impact the Ducks’ physicality and scoring, with Gudas’ potential absence weakening the blue line and Vatrano’s sidelining removing a key goal-scorer (top-10 on team).
Player Matchups
Injuries may alter rotations, but the focus will be on offensive stars and defensive anchors. Key battles to watch:
Kirill Kaprizov (MIN) vs. Cam Fowler (ANA): Kaprizov’s dynamic scoring (top-5 in points league-wide) faces Fowler’s veteran defense (strong in blocks and zone exits). This wing-defenseman clash could determine transition play, with Kaprizov exploiting gaps if Fowler tires.
Matt Boldy (MIN) vs. Leo Carlsson (ANA): Boldy’s emerging two-way game (20+ goals pace) meets Carlsson’s playmaking (top rookie contender). Expect this forward matchup to influence the neutral zone and power plays.
Jared Spurgeon (MIN) vs. Cutter Gauthier (ANA): Spurgeon’s shutdown defense tests Gauthier’s speed and shot (promising rookie). Without Gudas potentially, Spurgeon could limit Gauthier’s opportunities in the slot.
Filip Gustavsson (MIN) vs. John Gibson (ANA): Gustavsson’s consistency (.920 SV%) clashes with Gibson’s experience (.910 SV%). Goaltending will be crucial, especially if the game turns into a shootout.
The Wild’s depth gives them advantages in most spots, but the Ducks’ youth could energize
Recent Team Forms
The Wild have been one of the NHL’s hottest teams, going 7-3-0 in their last 10 games with an average of 3.5 GPG scored and 2.4 allowed. Highlights include the 5-2 win over Vegas, fueled by efficient power plays (25% success) and Kaprizov’s multi-point games, though a three-game skid earlier exposed overtime vulnerabilities.
The Ducks are struggling, posting a 2-6-2 record in their last 10, averaging 2.6 GPG while allowing 4.1. Recent games include the 4-3 OT loss to Tampa Bay, showing offensive flashes from Carlsson but defensive breakdowns, with poor penalty kill (75% efficiency in the stretch).
| Team | Last 10 Games | Win Streak | GPG Scored | GPG Allowed | Key Trend |
| Wild | 7-3-0 | W1 | 3.5 | 2.4 | 4-1 in last 5 road games sportsdata.usatoday.com |
| Ducks | 2-6-2 | L1 (OT) | 2.6 | 4.1 | 3-2 in last 5 home games gazettextra.com |
Series History
The Ducks and Wild have split recent series, with Anaheim holding a slight all-time edge at 45 wins in 98 regular-season meetings (220 goals scored).
In playoffs, Anaheim leads 2-0 series. Over the last 10 games, the series is even at 5-3-2 for Florida? Wait, for Ducks vs Wild: Last meeting November 15, 2025, Wild 2-0 win. Minnesota is 7-3 in their last 10 vs. Anaheim overall. The Wild are 4-4-2 in their last 10 visits to Anaheim. The teams meet again later this season.
Betting Trends
Wild Trends: Minnesota is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 and 7-3 SU as road favorites of -151 to -200. The under has hit in 21 of 30 games as favorites of -201 or greater.
Ducks Trends: Anaheim is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 but 4-6 SU overall recently. The over has hit in 4 of their last 6.
Series Trends: In the last 10 meetings, the home team is 6-4 ATS, with the under hitting 6 times (average 5.5 goals).
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild – 130
Anaheim Ducks 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 1, 2026
