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 aiming to strengthen their playoff positions.
Team Performance and Recent Form
Minnesota Wild
The Wild have been consistent this season, currently holding a 34-20-4 record and sitting third in the Central Division. Their offense averages 2.88 goals per game, totaling 167 goals, while their defense has conceded 163 goals, resulting in a +4 goal differential.
In their last 10 games, Minnesota has a 6-4-0 record, scoring 29 goals and allowing 26. Their power play has been effective, converting at a 24.0% rate during this stretch. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson has been a steady presence in net, posting a .914 save percentage and a 2.64 GAA.
Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club enters the game with a 26-24-9 record and is on 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 – The duo has been pivotal, 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.
Utah Hockey Club
- Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz & Logan Cooley – The trio has combined for 48 goals and 105 assists, making them Utah’s primary scoring threats.
- Mikhail Sergachev & Michael Kesselring – Defensively, they’ve been reliable, contributing a combined 14.9 defensive point shares.
Game Outlook and Prediction
Both teams showcase strong defensive units, suggesting a potentially low-scoring affair. Minnesota’s recent form and slightly better offensive metrics might give them a slight edge. However, Utah’s home-ice advantage and current winning streak make them formidable opponents. Expect a closely contested battle with Minnesota’s power play playing a key role.
Prediction: Minnesota Wild 4, Utah Hockey Club 3 (OT).
Broadcast Info: Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+ at 9:00 PM ET.
