Wild Host Rangers for Pride Night Showdown in Saint Paul

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild welcome the New York Rangers tonight for a highly anticipated NHL matchup at Xcel Energy Center, coinciding with the team’s celebration of Pride Night. The event features special in-arena Pride elements and a unique Pride-themed Ticket Pack.

As the teams clash, the Wild boast a record of 37-24-4, placing them fourth in the Central Division, while the Rangers stand at 39-24-2, fifth in the Metropolitan Division. This game marks their third and final meeting of the season, with a current series record of 1-1.

The Wild previously faced the Rangers on Nov. 4, winning 5-4 in a shootout at home, but fell 4-1 in their subsequent matchup at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 9. Key players in those encounters included Minnesota’s Brock Faber, Ryan Hartman, and Mats Zuccarello, who all registered two points each.

In the face of recent challenges, the Wild snapped a two-game losing streak with a victory over the Colorado Avalanche, thanks largely to Zuccarello’s game-winning goal. Goalkeeper Filip Gustavsson was pivotal, saving a penalty shot from Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, helping secure the win.

In their last eight games, the Wild have struggled, posting a 3-5-0 record. Despite their challenges, they maintain a favorable standing as they persist in their playoff campaign. In contrast, the Rangers, having lost their last four games, are looking to arrest their downward trend and are only two points from the final wild card spot.

The Wild’s performance at home has been inconsistent this season, with an overall record of 15-14-1. Currently, they average just 2.74 goals per game, ranking them 21st nationally and severely lacking offensive firepower in the absence of their star player, Kirill Kaprizov.

On the special teams front, Minnesota has struggled, ranking 31st in penalty kill efficiency at 70.3 percent. This represents a potential opportunity for the Rangers, who aim to capitalize on a Wild power play that stands at 20.0 percent. The Rangers will need to seize opportunities early, as the Wild hold a perfect 25-0-0 record when leading after two periods.

In terms of player updates, the Wild will be without several key players tonight. Defenseman Jonas Brodin is out due to a lower-body injury, while Joel Eriksson Ek and Kaprizov have missed significant time due to injuries. Each absence weighs heavily on the team’s scoring potential.

This game not only carries playoff implications but also a poignant celebration of inclusivity through Pride Night. As players don their rainbow-themed jerseys, the spotlight extends beyond the rink, symbolizing a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

The matchup begins at 8:00 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the game via MSG. Both teams are eager to capitalize on this important contest as the NHL season nears its final stretch.