Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Broadcast: The game will be available on ESPN+, MSG, Bally Sports North, and regional NHL networks, with live coverage on platforms like NHL.tv and radio affiliates.
The New Jersey Devils (22-21-2) wrap up a four-game road trip against the Minnesota Wild (26-11-9) in a cross-conference matchup. Minnesota, second in the Central Division, looks to rebound from a 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders, while New Jersey aims to snap a potential skid after a recent defeat to the Jets. The Wild have emphasized defensive structure, allowing just 2.5 goals per game at home, but face a Devils team with offensive firepower from the Hughes brothers. Key storylines include Minnesota’s goaltending tandem of Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury stepping up amid injuries, and New Jersey’s push for consistency in the Metropolitan Division playoff race.
Recent Team Forms
The Devils have struggled recently, going 2-3-0 in their last five with offensive inconsistencies, outscored 12-10 in those games. Minnesota has been more consistent at 3-1-1, emphasizing home strength (14-5-3 at Grand Casino Arena) but showing vulnerabilities in overtime losses.
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Devils | Jan 11, 2026 | @ Winnipeg Jets | Loss | 2-3 |
| Devils | Jan 8, 2026 | @ Pittsburgh Penguins | Loss | 1-4 |
| Devils | Jan 6, 2026 | vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Win | 3-2 |
| Devils | Jan 3, 2026 | vs. New York Rangers | Loss | 2-5 |
| Devils | Jan 1, 2026 | @ New York Islanders | Win | 4-3 (OT) |
| Wild | Jan 10, 2026 | vs. New York Islanders | Loss (OT) | 3-4 |
| Wild | Jan 8, 2026 | @ Seattle Kraken | Win | 4-3 |
| Wild | Jan 5, 2026 | vs. Los Angeles Kings | Win | 3-2 |
| Wild | Jan 3, 2026 | @ St. Louis Blues | Win | 5-2 |
| Wild | Jan 1, 2026 | vs. Chicago Blackhawks | Loss | 1-3 |
Injury Report
Injuries could impact both teams, with New Jersey missing key forwards on IR, potentially thinning their depth, while Minnesota deals with absences in the forward and defense groups. Eriksson Ek’s day-to-day status is crucial for the Wild’s center depth, and Noesen’s surgery sidelines him long-term for the Devils.
New Jersey Devils:
Stefan Noesen (F): Out (Knee/LTIR) – Estimated Return: TBD (undergoing surgery)
Zack MacEwen (F): Out (Undisclosed/IR) – Estimated Return: TBD
Marc McLaughlin (C): Out (Undisclosed) – Estimated Return: TBD
Evgeny Dadonov (RW): Day-To-Day (Wrist) – Estimated Return: Jan 12, 2026
Minnesota Wild:
Zach Bogosian (D): Out (Undisclosed/IR) – Estimated Return: Jan 12, 2026 or later
Joel Eriksson Ek (C): Day-To-Day (Lower Body) – Estimated Return: Jan 12, 2026 (questionable)
Scott Sabourin (RW): Out (Undisclosed) – Estimated Return: Jan 18, 2026
Key Player Matchups
This matchup highlights offensive stars against defensive anchors, with New Jersey’s speed testing Minnesota’s structured play. Jack Hughes leads the Devils with 9 points in recent games, while Kirill Kaprizov powers the Wild’s attack. Goaltending could be decisive, with Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey facing Filip Gustavsson for Minnesota.
Jack Hughes (Devils C) vs. Kirill Kaprizov (Wild LW): Hughes’ playmaking (5 assists recently) against Kaprizov’s scoring prowess (2 goals vs. Islanders).
Nico Hischier (Devils C) vs. Matt Boldy (Wild RW): Hischier’s two-way game (2 goals recently) vs. Boldy’s emerging offense.
Jesper Bratt (Devils LW) vs. Jonas Brodin (Wild D): Bratt’s speed (leading Devils with 34 points) tested by Brodin’s shutdown ability.
Dougie Hamilton (Devils D) vs. Marco Rossi (Wild C): Hamilton’s offensive blue line play vs. Rossi’s center depth, especially if Eriksson Ek is out.
Jacob Markstrom (Devils G) vs. Filip Gustavsson (Wild G): Markstrom’s rebound needed after recent losses vs. Gustavsson’s home strength (.920 save percentage).
Series History
The Devils hold a strong all-time edge at 20-9-2-3 against the Wild, but Minnesota has struggled recently, going 0-4-1 in their last five meetings. Overall, in 34 games, New Jersey has won 20, with Minnesota securing 12 victories. At home, the Wild are 6-10-1-1 vs. the Devils. Games often feature moderate scoring, averaging 5.5 combined goals in recent matchups, with the road team winning three of the last five.
Betting Trends
The Wild opened as -185 favorites but have settled around -189, reflecting their home dominance and New Jersey’s road struggles (9-12-1 away). The over/under is 5.5, with trends leaning under (6 of Minnesota’s last 10; 7 of New Jersey’s last 10). Minnesota is 14-12 as favorites and 4-1 ATS in their last five, while the Devils are 2-3 ATS recently but 12-8 as underdogs.
Game Odds
New Jersey Devils 5.5
Minnesota Wild – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 11, 2026
