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Wild vs. Kraken: Game Preview and Predictions

2 months agoUS
Wild vs. Kraken: Game Preview and PredictionsSource: nhl.com
The Minnesota Wild host the Seattle Kraken tonight at the Grand Casino Arena. The Wild look to extend their win streak as they chase a higher playoff seed, while the Kraken aim to break their losing streak. Here's a preview of tonight's matchup.

Key Insights

The Wild are on a three-game winning streak, while the Kraken have lost five straight.

Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start in goal for the Wild, while Joey Daccord is likely to start for the Kraken due to an injury to Philipp Grubauer.

Key players to watch for the Wild include Ryan Hartman, Kirill Kaprizov, and Mats Zuccarello, who are all on scoring streaks.

The Wild have already clinched a playoff spot and are battling for seeding in the Western Conference.

Why this matters: This game is crucial for the Wild as they aim to secure home-ice advantage in the playoffs. For the Kraken, it's an opportunity to salvage their season and build momentum for the future.

In-Depth Analysis

The Minnesota Wild (44-21-12) are in a strong position, having clinched a playoff berth and are now focused on improving their seeding. Their offense is led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, who have both reached the 40-goal mark this season. The Wild's goaltending has been solid, with both Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt performing well.

Seattle Kraken (32-33-11) have struggled since the Olympic break, significantly diminishing their playoff hopes. Their power-play has been particularly weak, and their penalty kill is among the worst in the league. Goaltending has been a concern, with Joey Daccord struggling to maintain a high save percentage.

The Wild's strong offensive capabilities and solid goaltending give them a significant advantage in this game. The Kraken's recent struggles make it difficult to see them pulling off an upset. The Wild’s ability to generate high-danger chances, combined with Daccord's struggles against such chances, further tilts the odds in favor of Minnesota.

FAQs

Q: Who is the expected starting goalie for the Wild?

Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start for the Minnesota Wild.

Q: What is the Wild's current position in the Western Conference standings?

The Wild have clinched a playoff spot and are battling for seeding.

Q: What are the Kraken's chances of making the playoffs?

The Kraken's playoff chances have diminished significantly due to their recent struggles.

Key Takeaways

The Minnesota Wild are in a strong position to win this game, given their recent form and playoff aspirations.

Key players like Ryan Hartman, Kirill Kaprizov, and Mats Zuccarello are on scoring streaks and should be closely watched.

The Seattle Kraken are struggling, particularly on the power play and penalty kill.

Expect the Wild to capitalize on the Kraken's weaknesses and secure a victory.

Discussion

Do you think the Wild will secure a high seed in the playoffs? Will the Kraken turn things around? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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