Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild Prediction | NHL 27.01.26

Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild Game Analysis | 27-01-2026 | NHL

In a regular-season matchup on January 27, 2026, the Chicago Blackhawks (21-23-8) are set to face the Minnesota Wild (29-14-10) at 8:00 PM in Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul. This Central Division clash pits a rebuilding Blackhawks squad against a Wild team firmly in the playoff hunt, promising a contrast in styles and urgency.

Chicago Blackhawks Team Performance

The Chicago Blackhawks currently hold a 21-23-8 record, indicative of a team still finding its identity. Their performance has been inconsistent, often relying heavily on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play. While they possess offensive flashes, defensive lapses and goaltending inconsistencies remain significant weaknesses. Their power play shows promise, but their five-on-five play often struggles to generate sustained pressure, leading to a negative goal differential.

Chicago Blackhawks Key Players

• Points: Connor Bedard (48)
• Goals: Tyler Bertuzzi (25)
• Assists: Connor Bedard (28)

Injury Report Chicago Blackhawks

• Ryan Ellis (Injured reserve): Ellis (back) and his contract have been traded to Chicago from San Jose, along with Jake Furlong and a 2028 fourth-round pick in exchange for Laurent Brossoit, Nolan Allan and a 2028 seventh-round pick Thursday.
• Shea Weber (Injured reserve): ir-lt (Long-Term Injured Reserve)

Minnesota Wild Team Performance

Conversely, the Minnesota Wild enter this contest with a strong 29-14-10 record, showcasing their status as a legitimate playoff contender. They are characterized by a tenacious forecheck, strong defensive structure, and opportunistic scoring. Their ability to control possession and transition effectively has been a key strength. However, they sometimes struggle with secondary scoring depth when their top line is contained, and special teams efficiency can be a swing factor.

Minnesota Wild Key Players

• Points: Kirill Kaprizov (64)
• Goals: Kirill Kaprizov (28)
• Assists: Kirill Kaprizov (36)

Injury Report Minnesota Wild

• Jonas Brodin (Injured reserve): Head coach John Hynes said Monday that Brodin (lower body) is expected to miss approximately 6-8 weeks, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.
• Zach Bogosian (Injured reserve): Bogosian (undisclosed) isn’t ready to return to the lineup yet, according to Joe Smith of The Athletic on Saturday.

Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild

Considering the significant disparity in team records and current form, the Minnesota Wild are the clear favorites. Their structured play and deeper roster, especially at home, should overwhelm the Blackhawks’ inconsistent efforts. With key defensive players like Jonas Brodin and Zach Bogosian sidelined for the Wild, their defensive depth will be tested, but their overall system remains robust. A lower-scoring affair is anticipated given the Wild’s defensive tendencies and the Blackhawks’ struggles against structured teams. Therefore, the prediction is for a Minnesota Wild victory, with the total goals staying under 6.5.