Date: December 3rd, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Xcel Energy, Saint Paul, MN
The Minnesota Wild (16-5-3) host the Vancouver Canucks (13-7-3) tonight at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Both teams are enjoying strong starts to the season and are well positioned in the Western Conference standings, making this matchup a key test for two playoff hopeful teams.
Team Overview
Minnesota Wild:
The Wild have been one of the NHL’s most balanced teams this season, leading the Central Division alongside the Jets with 36 points and boasting the best defense in the league. They allow just 2.33 goals per game, that’s 56 goals in 24 games played, thanks to a well structured system under head coach John Hynes and the elite goaltending of Filip Gustavsson, who has a .929 save percentage and has backstopped several critical wins. Offensively, the Wild average 3.21 goals per game (11th in the NHL), with Kirill Kaprizov driving the attack. Kaprizov leads the team with 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) and a +18 rating through 23 games this season.
Vancouver Canucks:
The Canucks have emerged as one of the league’s most exciting teams on the road, powered by a dynamic offense that averages 3.30 goals per game (7th in the NHL). They are led by captain Quinn Hughes, who has tallied 28 points (5 goals, 23 assists) and continues to elevate Vancouver’s attack from the blueline. Connor Garland is also enjoying a career resurgence, he has netted 8 goals and is on pace to surpass his career best 22 goals while in the Coyotes system in 2019-2020. Vancouver’s defensive game, however, has been inconsistent, allowing 3.17 goals per game. Kevin Lankinen has been solid in net; he is the first goaltender to win their first ten road games to start the season. Although he’s been great Vancouver is often under siege due to defensive lapses.
Special Teams Comparison
Special teams could play a pivotal role in tonight’s game. Vancouver boasts a stronger power play, converting at 22.9% (13th in the NHL), while Minnesota’s operates at 19.7% (18th in the NHL). On the penalty kill, both teams have room for improvement: Vancouver sits at 80.6% (12th in the NHL), while Minnesota struggles with one of the league’s worst penalty kill percentage, 73.7% (27th in the NHL), a glaring weakness that the Canucks top scorers may look to exploit tonight on this extended road trip of mayhem. Both teams will look to stay disciplined and reduce the amount of time spent in the penalty box.
Key Players to Watch
- Kirill Kaprizov (Wild): The Russian super star has been a model of consistency in the NHL, producing at over 1.5 points per game this season. His ability to create offense in tight spaces will challenge Vancouver’s defense.
- Filip Gustavsson (Wild): The Wild’s backbone in goal has been crucial to their league best defensive stats but his history with the Canucks is not pretty, 3-2-1 in 7 games (was pulled in his last start) with a 2.78 goals against average and .908 save percentage.
- Elias Pettersson (Canucks): Vancouver’s playmaker is a constant threat with his vision and creativity, particularly on the power play. This season he has 21 points (7 goals, 14 assists). He will look to add to his 8 points in his last 5 games on this road trip.
- Brock Boeser (Canucks): Boeser, a Minnesota native, has been great this season and will aim to make a statement against his home state team. In 16 games against the Wild in his career he has 3 goals and 7 assists, 6 of those points were in Xcel Energy Center.
Recent Form
Minnesota enters this game on a strong 6-2-2 run, showcasing their balance on both ends of the ice. Meanwhile, Vancouver is 6-4-0 in their last 10 games and coming off a mediocre 5-4 win in OT against Detroit, where defensive breakdowns proved costly. This will be Vancouver’s 6th game on this long road trip and Minnesota’s 3rd home game in a row.
What to Expect
Tonight’s game will likely hinge on whether Minnesota can neutralize Vancouver’s high-flying offense while capitalizing on home ice advantage. Expect the Wild to lean on their defensive structure and Gustavsson in net, while the Canucks will try to overwhelm with speed and skill in their attack.
Get exclusive plays via my discord join today: https://discord.gg/nYuBqc26dh
-BetOnBanana
About the Author
