Wild Face Off Against Devils with Playoff Hopes on the Line

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild will take on the New Jersey Devils tonight at 6:08 p.m. ET at Xcel Energy Center, marking the latest matchup in their quest for a playoff position. The game promises added excitement as it coincides with the final Rink Rock concert of the 2024-25 series, featuring the performance of Pirates, Guitars & Beachfront Bars.

The Wild enter the game with a record of 41-27-5, placing them fourth in the Central Division, while the Devils sit with a record of 38-28-7, currently stationed third in the Metropolitan Division. Minnesota’s recent performance has been bolstered by a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals, with key contributions from defenseman Jon Merrill and center Freddy Gaudreau, who scored two goals apiece.

Historical context reveals the Wild have struggled against the Devils this season, falling in both prior matchups: a narrow 4-3 defeat on October 29 and a 5-3 loss at home on November 2. Minnesota’s top players, such as Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, are sidelined due to lower-body injuries, putting further strain on their lineup.

Notable performance statistics from the current season show that Minnesota ranks 21st in power play percentage at 20.7% and struggles with a penalty kill rate of 71.7%, placing them among the lowest in the league. Contrastingly, the Devils have demonstrated superior special teams play, ranking fourth in power play efficiency at 28.14% and sixth in penalty kill at 82.3%.

“They’re a team that’s going to make it really hard for you to get to the net,” Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said, acknowledging the challenges posed by Minnesota’s defense. The Wild have welcomed young talent like Matt Boldy, who leads the team with 62 points this season.

The matchup has significant playoff implications. The Wild currently hold the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, while the Devils fight to secure their position in the competitive Metropolitan Division. New Jersey holds 83 points, just nine behind the second place Carolina Hurricanes. Meanwhile, Minnesota is only six points away from the Colorado Avalanche, the third seed in the Central Division.

“Today is going to be more of the same. I’m expecting a low-event game, so we’ve got to make sure we’re taking care of our net,” Keefe added, emphasizing the need for disciplined play in tonight’s contest.

Both teams are hoping to rebound from recent challenges and leverage their strengths. The Wild will look to capitalize on home-ice advantage, while the Devils will aim to maintain their high-powered special teams as they gear up for the matchup. A crucial game lies ahead, impacting both teams as they vie for a playoff position as the regular season winds down.