The Minnesota Wild (25-10-9, 59 points) face the Los Angeles Kings (18-14-9, 45 points) in a quick rematch following their January 3 shootout thriller, as both teams battle in this Pacific-Central crossover. The Wild, second in the Central Division, seek revenge after dropping an overtime point in the series opener, while the Kings, fourth in the Pacific, aim to build momentum from their comeback win. With injuries affecting depth on both sides, this game could hinge on star performances and goaltending, pitting Minnesota’s high-powered offense against LA’s resilient home play.
Venue Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA. This 18,006-capacity venue has been the Kings’ home since 1999, known for its celebrity sightings and intense playoff-like atmospheres in key matchups.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network North for Wild fans, and FanDuel Sports Network West for Kings viewers.
Injury Report
Injuries continue to challenge both rosters, with depth players sidelined and key contributors day-to-day.
Minnesota Wild: Defenseman Daemon Hunt is out with an undisclosed lower-body injury and remains week-to-week on injured reserve. Defenseman Jonas Brodin is day-to-day with a lower-body issue, potentially impacting defensive pairings. Forward Mats Zuccarello is also day-to-day (lower body), which could limit Minnesota’s secondary scoring. Center Nico Sturm and defenseman Zach Bogosian are monitoring minor ailments from training camp but appear available. The Wild’s blue line depth will be tested without Hunt.
Los Angeles Kings: Left wing Trevor Moore is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and did not play in the January 3 game against the Wild, affecting forward depth. No other major injuries are reported as of January 4, but the Kings may adjust lines if Moore remains out, relying on call-ups for bottom-six energy.
Player MatchupsT
his rematch features high-stakes battles between offensive dynamos and shutdown defenders, with fatigue from the quick turnaround potentially playing a factor.
Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota) vs. Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles): Kaprizov’s explosive speed and scoring (league-leading in goals) will test Kopitar’s elite two-way play and faceoff dominance. Kopitar’s ability to neutralize top lines could limit Kaprizov’s impact in transition.
Matt Boldy (Minnesota) vs. Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles): Boldy’s playmaking and shot volume clash with Byfield’s size and emerging offensive game, highlighted by his goal in the January 3 win. This matchup could spark odd-man rushes if either exploits neutral-zone turnovers.
Mats Zuccarello (Minnesota) vs. Drew Doughty (Los Angeles): If Zuccarello plays through his day-to-day status, his creativity will challenge Doughty’s veteran poise and puck-moving from the blue line, especially on the power play.
Filip Gustavsson/Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota) vs. Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles): Goaltending rematch after both allowed four goals on January 3. Kuemper’s home splits give him an edge, but Gustavsson’s quickness could shine if Minnesota controls shots.
These confrontations underscore Minnesota’s offensive depth versus LA’s physical, veteran core.
Minnesota is 12-6-4 on the road, while Los Angeles holds a 10-6-4 home record.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams show strong recent play but enter off their January 3 clash, adding rivalry intensity.
Minnesota Wild: The Wild are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, boasting a five-game point streak snapped by the 4-5 shootout loss to the Kings on January 3. They previously won 5-2 against Anaheim on December 31, showcasing balanced scoring and a top-5 power play. Minnesota’s penalty kill leads the league, but road fatigue could factor in this back-to-back scenario.
Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are 5-3-2 over their last 10, riding a three-game home win streak capped by the 5-4 shootout victory over Minnesota on January 3, where they erased a third-period deficit. Prior to that, they split a back-to-back with Tampa Bay. LA’s home games trend low-scoring, with unders in 7 of their last 10 at Crypto.com Arena.
Series History
The Kings hold a slight all-time edge at 47-42-1-6 over 96 games against the Wild, with a +12 goal differential. Minnesota has won 11 of the last 20 meetings, but LA claimed the most recent on January 3 (5-4 SO). The last 10 games are split 5-5, often high-scoring with overs in 7 of 10 and six decided by one goal or shootout.
Betting Trends
Minnesota Wild Trends: 26-16-1 ATS overall, with a 22-19-2 O/U record. They’ve covered in 7 of their last 10 but are 1-4 ATS in back-to-back road games. Wild contests trend over vs. Pacific teams (60% exceed the total), and they’ve hit the under in 4 of their last 6 against LA.
Los Angeles Kings Trends: 20-19-2 ATS, with unders in 25 of 41 games. They’re 6-4 SU in their last 10 home games and 4-1 ATS as home favorites under -120. Kings have covered in 6 of their last 10 vs. Minnesota, with home unders hitting in 7 of 10 amid strong goaltending.
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild – 115
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 4, 2026
