The 2025-26 NHL season features a cross-conference matchup between the Central Division-leading Minnesota Wild and the Pacific Division’s Los Angeles Kings. The Wild, boasting one of the league’s top offenses led by Kirill Kaprizov, enter as road favorites despite a mixed recent stretch, aiming to rebound from a shootout loss. The Kings, struggling with consistency and coming off back-to-back defeats, look to leverage home ice and their veteran core to pull off an upset. This game could hinge on special teams and goaltending, with Minnesota’s depth facing Los Angeles’ defensive structure in a potential low-scoring affair.
Venue Location
Crypto.com Arena, located in Los Angeles, California. This multi-purpose venue has a seating capacity of approximately 18,230 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the Los Angeles Kings.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT (9:00 p.m. ET).
Injury Report
Minnesota Wild: One unnamed defenseman is on injured reserve (IR) due to an undisclosed injury and is expected to be out until at least January 10, 2026. No other major injuries reported, with key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy fully available.
Los Angeles Kings: One unnamed left wing is sidelined with an illness and is expected to be out until at least January 3, 2026. The team has otherwise maintained a relatively healthy roster entering the game.
Key Player Matchups
This matchup highlights offensive stars against defensive anchors, with Minnesota’s high-scoring attack testing Los Angeles’ veteran leadership.
Kirill Kaprizov (MIN, F) vs. Anze Kopitar (LAK, F): Kaprizov, leading the Wild with his dynamic scoring (projected over 100 points), faces Kopitar, the Kings’ two-way center known for shutdown play and faceoff dominance. This battle could control possession in the neutral zone.
Matt Boldy (MIN, F) vs. Drew Doughty (LAK, D): Boldy’s sniper shot and power-play prowess meet Doughty’s veteran blue-line presence, potentially deciding odd-man rushes and special teams efficiency.
Joel Eriksson Ek (MIN, F) vs. Quinton Byfield (LAK, F): Eriksson Ek’s physical, checking style clashes with Byfield’s emerging speed and size, key for board battles and secondary scoring.
Filip Gustavsson (MIN, G) vs. Adrian Kempe (LAK, F): Gustavsson, Minnesota’s starter, must handle Kempe’s shot volume (over 70.5 points projected), especially on the rush where the Kings excel.
Recent Team Forms
Minnesota Wild: The Wild are 2-1-2 in their last five games, showing resilience but vulnerability in close contests. Recent results: Dec 31 vs. SJS (L SO 3-4), Dec 29 @ VGK (W 5-2), Dec 27 @ WPG (W OT 4-3), Dec 23 vs. NSH (L OT 2-3), Dec 21 vs. COL (L 1-5). They’ve outscored opponents 14-17 in this stretch, with a focus on comeback efforts but defensive lapses.
Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are 1-4-0 in their last five, struggling with consistency. Recent results: Jan 1 vs. TBL (L 3-5), Dec 29 @ COL (L 2-5), Dec 27 vs. ANA (W 6-1), Dec 23 vs. SEA (L 2-3), Dec 22 vs. CBJ (L 1-3). Outscored 14-17 recently, they’ve relied on home blowouts but faltered on the road and against top teams.
Series History
The Kings hold a slight all-time edge with a 40-37-5-7 record against the Wild across 89 games. In the last 20 meetings, Minnesota is 11-9-0, showing recent competitiveness. The teams have split their last four encounters, with games often decided by two goals or fewer (average margin 2.1). Los Angeles has won the last two home games in the series, outscoring Minnesota 7-3.
Betting Odds
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in their last five road games against Pacific Division teams but 2-3 ATS overall in their last five. They’ve hit the under in 3 of their last 5 games, averaging 5.8 combined goals, reflecting strong goaltending.
Los Angeles is 1-4 straight up and 2-3 ATS in their last five, with the over hitting in 4 of 5 (averaging 6.4 goals). At home, they’re 6-4 ATS this season but have gone over in only 6 of 18 home games.
Head-to-head, the under has hit in 6 of the last 10 meetings (average 5.2 goals), favoring defensive play. Favorites have covered 60% in this series over the past three seasons.
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild 5.5
Los Angeles Kings – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026
