Opinion
3 min read

Clash on Ice: Washington Capitals Visit Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center

As the Minnesota Wild prepare to host the Washington Capitals at the Xcel Energy Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying match-up. The Wild have been on a tear lately, and their recent performance suggests they're not about to slow down.


Dec 14, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) congratulates Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) on a save in the first period against the Calgary Flames at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at their game on December 24th against the Boston Bruins, the Wild demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess. Despite giving away more penalties than usual, they managed to secure a 3-2 victory thanks in part to their effective power play and solid goaltending. With a save percentage of 90 percent during even strength play and an overall win for that night, it's clear that when under pressure, the Wild can deliver results.


The game against the Montreal Canadiens on December 22nd further showcased Minnesota's ability to capitalize on power plays. Scoring two goals out of six opportunities is no small feat and indicates a special teams unit that is both aggressive and efficient—a combination that could prove lethal against Washington.


Minnesota's offensive capabilities were also highlighted in their overtime win over Boston Bruins on December 20th. A shooting percentage of around 13 percent reflects an offense that knows how to find the back of the net when it counts most—during those crucial moments where one shot can make all the difference.


However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge what they're up against with Washington Capitals coming into town. The Capitals have shown themselves as formidable opponents this season with consistent scoring across periods. But if there's one thing we've learned from watching Minnesota recently—it’s that they thrive under pressure and rise up against tough competition.


With these factors in mind, fans should expect another gritty performance from Minnesota as they look to extend their winning ways at home. The key will be maintaining discipline while exploiting power play chances whenever possible—something they've excelled at in recent outings.


As we count down towards puck drop scheduled for January 24th at 8:00 PM (ET), fans can catch all the action live from St. Paul via ESPN+ online or tune into BSN channel 668 for local TV coverage or BSWI channel 669 if following from away territories; MNMT channel 642 will also broadcast for additional regional viewership options.

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