The Minnesota Wild return from the holiday break to face the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night in Winnipeg. With a strong 22-10-6 record, the Wild aim to build on their franchise-record points pace against a struggling Jets team that holds a 15-17-3 mark. Jesper Wallstedt and Connor Hellebuyck are set to start in net for a compelling goaltending matchup.
The Minnesota Wild (22-10-6) hit the road to Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for their first game since the holiday break, facing the Winnipeg Jets (15-17-3) on December 27 at 6:00 p.m. CT. This matchup marks the third meeting between the teams this season, with the series tied at 1-1-0. The Jets won the opener 4-3 in overtime on October 28 at Xcel Energy Center, while the Wild responded with a 3-0 shutout victory on November 23 in Winnipeg.
All-time, the Wild hold a 30-24-7 edge over the Jets, including 13-14-3 on the road in Winnipeg. The Wild entered the break on a high note, setting a franchise record for most points at that stage. In contrast, the Jets have won just two of their last 10 games.
Projected lines for the Wild include Kirill Kaprizov centering Ryan Hartman and Mats Zuccarello on the top line, with Marcus Johansson, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Matt Boldy on the second. Defensively, Quinn Hughes pairs with Brock Faber, and Jonas Brodin with Jared Spurgeon. Jesper Wallstedt, 23, starts in goal after a strong season of 10-2-2, 2.10 goals-against average, .933 save percentage, and four shutouts—leading the NHL in save percentage. He earned a 32-save shutout in the previous win over Winnipeg.
For the Jets, Connor Hellebuyck returns from injury to start, posting 9-8-2, 2.48 GAA, and .912 SV% this year. The reigning Hart and Vezina winner has a 16-10-2 record with a .920 SV% in 31 career games against the Wild, including saving 33 of 35 shots in their first meeting.
Recent transactions for the Wild include activating Zach Bogosian from injured reserve on December 23 and recalling Ben Jones earlier. Daemon Hunt remains sidelined with a lower-body injury, missing four games.
Fans can watch on FanDuel Sports North or listen on KFAN.
