The Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings face off today at Little Caesars Arena in a game with significant implications for the Red Wings' playoff hopes. Puck drop is scheduled for 12:00 p. m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on TNT and KFAN FM 100.3.
The Wild enter the game after a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators, while the Red Wings are looking to rebound from a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers. Minnesota has already clinched a playoff berth, but Detroit is in a tight race for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Red Wings are currently tied with Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Columbus with 88 points.
Minnesota won the first meeting between the teams 4-3 in overtime. Kirill Kaprizov led the way with two goals, including the game-winner, while Mats Zuccarello also scored twice. The Wild are aiming to sweep the season series against Detroit, joining Pittsburgh, Vegas, and Utah as the only teams to accomplish that feat this season. Filip Gustavsson is the expected starter in goal for the Wild, while former Wild goaltender Cam Talbot is expected to start for Detroit.
Ryan Hartman is a player to watch for Minnesota, as he has multiple goals in consecutive games for the first time in his career and has a goal in a career-long four consecutive games. Matt Boldy has also had success against the Red Wings in his career, with 10 points in eight games. For the Red Wings, David Perron scored a goal in their recent loss to the Rangers.
