The Minnesota Wild (34-20-4) are set to face the Utah Hockey Club (26-24-9) on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. This matchup features two Central Division teams looking to solidify their playoff positions as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Team Performance and Statistics
The Wild have been consistent this season, boasting a 34-20-4 record. Their offense averages 2.88 goals per game, totaling 167 goals, while their defense has conceded 163 goals, resulting in a +4 goal differential. Over their last 10 games, Minnesota has a 6-4-0 record, scoring 29 goals and allowing 26. Their power play has been particularly effective, converting at a 24.0% rate during this span.
The Utah Hockey Club enters the game with a 26-24-9 record and is riding a three-game home winning streak. Their offense averages 2.78 goals per game, with a total of 164 goals this season. Defensively, they’ve allowed 175 goals, leading to a -11 goal differential. Utah’s power play operates at a 22.75% success rate, ranking 13th in the league, while their penalty kill stands at 80.34%, ranking 11th.
Head-to-Head Matchup
This season, the Wild and the Utah Hockey Club have faced off twice. On December 10, 2024, Minnesota secured a 5-4 overtime victory in Utah. However, Utah responded with a 2-1 win in Minnesota on December 20, 2024. These results highlight the competitive nature of their matchups, with each team securing a road win.
Key Players to Watch
Minnesota Wild
- Matt Boldy & Marco Rossi – This forward duo has been instrumental for the Wild, combining for 42 goals and 59 assists this season.
- Brock Faber & Jacob Middleton – The defensive pair has been solid, amassing a combined 14.6 defensive point shares.
- Filip Gustavsson (G) – The Wild’s goaltender has been a steady presence, posting a .914 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average.
Utah Hockey Club
- Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz & Logan Cooley – This offensive trio has combined for 48 goals and 105 assists, making them Utah’s primary scoring threats.
- Mikhail Sergachev & Michael Kesselring – Defensively, these two have been reliable, contributing a combined 14.9 defensive point shares.
- Karel Vejmelka (G) – Utah’s netminder has recorded a .910 save percentage and a 2.48 goals-against average, making him a key factor in close games.
Game Outlook
Both teams feature strong defensive units, suggesting a potentially low-scoring affair. Minnesota’s recent form and slightly superior offensive metrics might give them a slight edge. However, Utah’s home-ice advantage and current winning streak make them a formidable opponent. Analysts predict a tightly contested matchup, with some projections favoring Utah to edge out Minnesota in a 4-3 victory.
Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+ at 9:00 PM ET.
