Wild Look to Snap Home Skid Against Resurgent Jets
ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild return to home ice tonight, hosting the Winnipeg Jets in a matchup that carries more weight than the records might suggest.
Minnesota, sitting at 26-12-9, is looking to shake off a troubling trend at Xcel Energy Center, where they've gone 0-4-1 in their last five against Winnipeg. The Jets, meanwhile, have found a spark-rattling off three straight wins after enduring an 11-game losing streak.
There are a few lineup tweaks for Minnesota tonight as they try to flip the script.
Wild Lines: Youth, Grit, and a New Look Up Top
Head coach Dean Evason is rolling out a top line that could be a glimpse into the future-and a nightmare for defenders. Kirill Kaprizov will skate alongside Danila Yurov and Mats Zuccarello. Yurov brings fresh legs and a high ceiling, and slotting him next to two of the Wild’s most creative offensive minds gives him a prime opportunity to make an impact.
The second line features Marcus Johansson, Ryan Hartman, and Matt Boldy. Boldy’s been a tone-setter lately, and with Hartman’s edge and Johansson’s speed, this trio has the tools to generate chances off the rush and on the forecheck.
Minnesota’s third line leans into physicality and veteran presence. Marcus Foligno, Nico Sturm, and Vladimir Tarasenko bring a heavy game, and Tarasenko’s offensive instincts could be the X-factor here. The fourth line-Yakov Trenin, Ben Jones, and Tyler Pitlick-rounds out the group with energy and defensive responsibility.
On the blue line, the big story continues to be Quinn Hughes. Since arriving in Minnesota, Hughes has been nothing short of electric.
He’ll be paired with Brock Faber, forming a top duo that combines elite skating, puck movement, and defensive awareness. Jake Middleton and Jared Spurgeon anchor the second pair, while Daemon Hunt and David Spacek round out the third.
Jesper Wallstedt gets the start in net. The young goaltender has shown poise beyond his years, and tonight he’ll be tasked with holding off a Jets offense that’s finally found its footing.
Key Absences for the Wild
Minnesota will once again be without Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, and Zach Bogosian, all sidelined with lower-body injuries. That’s a significant chunk of the team’s defensive core and two-way depth, but the Wild have managed to stay afloat thanks to their organizational depth and the emergence of players like Hughes and Spacek.
Jets Lines: Veterans Leading the Charge
Winnipeg’s top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Alex Iafallo has been leading the way during the team’s mini-resurgence. Connor’s scoring touch, Scheifele’s playmaking, and Iafallo’s two-way game give the Jets a balanced top unit.
The second line features Cole Perfetti, Jonathan Toews, and Gabe Vilardi-a group that combines youth, experience, and grit. Toews may not be the same player he was in his prime, but his leadership and hockey IQ still make him a valuable asset, especially in tight games.
Nino Niederreiter, Adam Lowry, and Vladislav Namestnikov form a grinding third line that can wear down opponents, while Cole Koepke, Morgan Barron, and Tanner Pearson round out the fourth group.
On defense, Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo continue to log big minutes as the top pair. Morrissey’s offensive instincts and DeMelo’s steadiness make them a reliable duo. Behind them, Dylan Samberg and Elias Salomonsson form the second pair, with Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn on the third.
Connor Hellebuyck gets the nod in net. The veteran netminder is always capable of stealing a game, and with the Jets finally stringing together wins, his confidence should be trending upward.
Jets Also Banged Up
Winnipeg is dealing with its own injury issues. Haydn Fleury (bruised back), Colin Miller (lower body), and Neal Pionk (undisclosed) are all out of the lineup. That’s left the Jets leaning heavily on their depth, particularly on the blue line.
What to Watch
The Wild need to find a way to solve their home-ice woes against Winnipeg, and it starts with special teams and puck management. If Hughes and Faber can control the tempo from the back end, and Kaprizov can get going early, Minnesota has the firepower to take control.
But don’t sleep on the Jets. They’re playing with renewed energy, and with Hellebuyck between the pipes, they’re always just a hot goalie away from stealing two points.
Puck drops tonight in St. Paul, and with both teams trending in opposite directions in recent weeks, this one could say a lot about where each club is headed as the second half of the season ramps up.