Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT).
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158. This iconic arena, opened in 2016 with a seating capacity of 17,500 for hockey, is the home of the Seattle Kraken and known for its electric atmosphere, high-definition video boards, and proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, which often energizes the crowd and contributes to a fast-paced, high-scoring environment.
Recent Team Forms
The Wild are on a roll with consistent wins, while the Kraken have been strong lately but vulnerable in overtime. Here’s a breakdown of their last five games (most recent first):
Minnesota Wild (4-1 in last 5; streak: W3):
Win 4-2 vs. St. Louis (Jan 6; Kirill Kaprizov 2 goals, Filip Gustavsson 28 saves).
Win 3-2 OT at Chicago (Jan 4; OT winner after tying late).
Win 5-3 vs. Dallas (Jan 2; power play 2-for-4).
Loss 2-4 vs. Winnipeg (Jan 1; outscored 0-3 in second).
Win 4-1 at Vancouver (Dec 30; dominant defensive effort). Minnesota has averaged 3.6 goals per game recently while allowing 2.4, with a +6 goal differential. Road form is solid (3-2 in last 5 away), fueled by a 28% power-play success rate.
Seattle Kraken (3-1-1 in last 5; streak: W2):
Win 4-2 vs. Edmonton (Jan 6; Joey Daccord 35 saves).
Win 5-3 at Vancouver (Jan 4; Jordan Eberle 2 goals).
OT Loss 3-4 vs. Calgary (Jan 2; OT loss after 3-3 tie).
Win 4-3 OT vs. Los Angeles (Jan 1; comeback OT victory).
Loss 2-5 vs. San Jose (Dec 30; defensive lapses). Seattle has averaged 3.6 goals per game in wins but 3.5 in losses, allowing 3.2 overall. Home form is improving (3-1-1 in last 5 at T-Mobile), with a 24% power-play rate.
Series History
The Wild hold a slight all-time edge over the Kraken, leading 9-4 in 13 regular-season meetings since Seattle’s expansion in 2021. Minnesota has won 5 of the last 7 games, with an average total of 5.5 goals per game.
Previous Meeting (2025-26 Season): December 8, 2025 – Wild 4-1 (at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul). Minnesota dominated with 32 shots, Kaprizov scoring twice in a low-scoring win.
Other Recent Games: April 18, 2025 – Wild 4-3 OT; February 24, 2024 – Kraken 5-2. The series often features defensive battles (average margin 2.0 goals in last 5), with the under hitting in 6 of 10 recent matchups. Home teams are 7-3 in the last 10, but Minnesota has won 3 of 4 at T-Mobile Arena against Seattle.
Injury Report
Injuries are more pronounced for the Kraken, affecting their forward depth, while the Wild are relatively healthy. Updates as of January 8, 2026 (morning report; subject to change at puck drop):
Minnesota Wild:
No major injuries reported; full roster expected, though monitoring minor ailments for Kirill Kaprizov (day-to-day with flu-like symptoms but expected to play) and Mats Zuccarello (cleared after recent checkup). The Wild’s lineup is intact, allowing for their full offensive arsenal.
Seattle Kraken:
Jordan Eberle (RW): Out – Lower Body (injured reserve; expected back mid-January; key scorer sidelined since December).
Jaden Schwartz (C): Out – Lower Body (IR; indefinite; impacts top-six forward group).
Matthew Murray (G): Out – Lower Body (IR; backup goalie missing, Joey Daccord starts). Seattle’s forward lines are thinned, forcing more reliance on Chandler Stephenson and Jared McCann.
Key Player Matchups
This inter-conference clash pits speed and skill against physicality, with goaltending and special teams likely deciding a mid-scoring game.
Kirill Kaprizov (MIN, LW) vs. Jamie Oleksiak (SEA, D): Kaprizov (team-high 25 goals, 25 assists) thrives on the rush with his shot; Oleksiak’s size and reach must contain him to limit Minnesota’s transition attack.
Matt Boldy (MIN, RW) vs. Vince Dunn (SEA, D): Boldy (20 goals) brings finishing touch; Dunn’s offensive contributions from the blue line (8 goals) could counter while defending the slot.
Jared McCann (SEA, LW) vs. Jonas Brodin (MIN, D): McCann (18 goals) snipes from distance; Brodin’s shot-blocking and mobility must neutralize him, especially with Seattle’s injuries.
Goaltending: Filip Gustavsson (MIN, .918 SV%) vs. Joey Daccord (SEA, .910 SV%) – Gustavsson’s form could exploit Seattle’s depleted forwards.
Betting Trends
Minnesota Wild: 24-19 ATS overall; 12-9 ATS on the road. Unders have hit in 6 of last 10 (defensive focus), and as favorites, 20-5 SU but 17-8 ATS. 8-1-1 ATS in last 10.
Seattle Kraken: 21-20 ATS; 10-11 ATS at home. Overs in 7 of last 10 (recent surge), but as underdogs, 8-12 SU and 10-10 ATS. 8-1-1 ATS in last 10.
Head-to-Head Trends: Under in 6 of 10 (avg. 5.5 goals); Wild 5-2 SU in last 7, but underdogs 4-6 ATS in series. Minnesota 3-1 SU in last 4 road vs SEA.
League-Wide: NHL unders cashing at 54% in inter-conference games; road underdogs are 52% ATS this season.
Game Odds
Minnesota Wild – 155
Seattle Kraken 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 7, 2026
