The Minnesota Wild, in strong form and playing at home, are poised to take on a struggling Calgary Flames team. Calgary is severely hampered by injuries, including key scorer Blake Coleman, and is looking to snap a four-game losing streak, while Minnesota aims to solidify its division standing. This final head-to-head matchup of the season, currently tied at one win apiece, is projected to be a higher-scoring affair.
The Minnesota Wild are in strong form with a 30-14-10 overall record and a 15-6-7 home record, having won their last game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Calgary Flames are struggling, currently on a four-game losing streak and holding a poor 8-16-2 road record.
Minnesota is missing two defensemen, Jonas Brodin and Zach Bogosian, which impacts their defensive depth. Calgary is more significantly affected, with key forward Blake Coleman (second in team goals) out due to an upper-body injury. Additionally, Calgary is missing three other forwards (John Beecher, Samuel Honzek, Zayne Parekh, with Parekh on a conditioning loan after injury) and another defenseman (Jake Bean). The loss of Coleman and the higher volume of unavailable players makes Calgary's injury impact more severe.
Neither team has dominated the head-to-head matchup this season, as they have each won one game in regulation. This game marks the third and final meeting between the two teams this season.
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Minnesota enters this game in superior form, playing at home, and with a significant offensive advantage. Calgary is severely depleted by injuries, particularly the absence of key scorer Blake Coleman, and is currently on a four-game losing streak. While the season series is tied, all indicators point to a strong performance from the Wild against a struggling Flames squad.