The Minnesota Wild face the reigning Stanley Cup champions amid a challenging injury list, including key players like their starting goaltender, top forward, and standout defenseman. Despite setbacks, the Wild aim to recapture the form that secured their commanding 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers on October 22—a performance hailed as their season’s benchmark.
“That was one of our best games,” said defenseman Brock Faber. “When we play our structure, we’re tough to beat.”
The Wild excelled with precision during that victory, allowing only one high-danger chance in the third period while Filip Gustavsson shined in goal. However, Gustavsson will miss Wednesday’s rematch due to a lower-body injury. Coach John Hynes labeled it a minor issue, but veteran Marc-Andre Fleury will start in his place, marking his third appearance in four games.
“Hopefully, Gus won’t be out long,” Fleury said. “I’ll focus on giving us a chance to win.”
The Wild’s lineup remains depleted. Forward Yakov Trenin, out with an upper-body injury, is uncertain to return, while wingers Jakub Lauko and Joel Eriksson Ek (both lower body) and defenseman Jake Middleton (upper body) remain sidelined. Eriksson Ek has resumed skating but has yet to rejoin the lineup.
The team’s 3-3 record during Eriksson Ek’s absence reflects inconsistency. While the Wild comfortably handled weaker opponents like Anaheim and Philadelphia, they barely edged Utah and suffered blowout losses to stronger teams, including a 7-1 defeat to Edmonton.
Their penalty kill, now at a troubling 60% efficiency, has struggled to prevent critical goals, leading to an emphasis on improvement during recent practices. “We need to coach and execute better,” Hynes emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers arrive with momentum following a 6-0 win over Edmonton on Monday. With a 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games, the Panthers boast a potent offense led by Sam Reinhart, whose 20 goals include a league-high four shorthanded.
The Wild will debut forward Brendan Gaunce, acquired to bolster their injury-hit roster. The team aims to channel their structured, high-effort identity in the face of adversity.
