Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions December 23rd 2024

Wild Look to Halt Losing Streak Against Resurgent Blackhawks

The Minnesota Wild aim to end their four-game skid as they host the improving Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

Wild Seek to Regain Consistency

The Minnesota Wild (17-14-2) are navigating a tough stretch, losing their last four games. Injuries to key players, including starting goaltender Filip Gustavsson, have impacted the team’s consistency, but head coach John Hynes emphasized that there are no excuses.

“It’s not about who’s out; it’s about who’s in,” Hynes said. “We have capable players. We’ve got to get back to playing the right way.”

The Wild’s power play has been a focal point of concern. They are 0-for-9 with the man advantage in their last two games, often overcomplicating plays instead of focusing on direct, high-percentage scoring opportunities.

“The mindset needs to be to play the game the right way,” Hynes said. “When you pass up shots and play a perimeter game, you’re not going to score.”

Key Players for the Wild:

• Kirill Kaprizov leads the team with 49 points (22 goals, 27 assists) in 33 games.
• Matt Boldy has contributed 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists).
• Marco Rossi rounds out the top three with 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists).

In net, Marc-Andre Fleury and Jesper Wallstedt are likely options if Gustavsson remains sidelined. Fleury is 6-3-1 with a 2.81 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage, while Wallstedt is still searching for his first NHL win (0-2-0, 4.09 GAA).

Blackhawks Showing Improvement Under Sorensen

The Chicago Blackhawks (12-20-2) have shown marked improvement since Anders Sorensen took over as head coach. After a rocky 8-16-2 start under Luke Richardson, the Blackhawks are 4-4-0 under Sorensen, including a 3-1-0 run in their last four games.

Key Players for the Blackhawks:

• Connor Bedard leads the team with 29 points (8 goals, 21 assists) and has been particularly effective in his last eight games (3 goals, 7 assists).
• Teuvo Teravainen has added 23 points (7 goals, 16 assists).
• Ryan Donato contributes with 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists).

Sorensen praised Bedard’s vision and instincts: “His hockey IQ is through the roof.”

Chicago has scored 15 goals in their last four games and will look to sustain that offensive output against Minnesota.

In net, Petr Mrazek (7-12-1, 2.94 GAA, .902 save percentage) and Arvid Soderblom (5-7-1, 2.56 GAA, .913 save percentage) are the primary options.

Season Series

This is the third of four regular-season meetings between the Wild and Blackhawks.

• Nov. 10: Chicago earned a 2-1 overtime win at home.
• Nov. 29: Minnesota responded with a 3-2 victory in Saint Paul.

The final matchup is scheduled for Feb. 25 in Chicago.

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Key Matchup

Minnesota’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and tighten their special teams play will be crucial against a Chicago team that has found new life offensively. For the Blackhawks, containing Kaprizov and maintaining their recent scoring momentum will be critical.

Both teams are eager for points, making this a pivotal matchup before the holiday break.