Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction | NHL 31.01.26

Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers Game Analysis | 31-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup pits the formidable Minnesota Wild (31-14-10) against the high-octane Edmonton Oilers (28-19-8). Scheduled for January 31, 2026, at 10:00 PM EST, the action unfolds at Rogers Place in Edmonton, setting the stage for a critical Western Conference clash.

Minnesota Wild Team Performance

The Minnesota Wild enter this contest with an impressive record, indicative of a well-structured team capable of consistent wins. Their strength lies in a balanced attack and solid defensive play, though recent injuries could test their depth. The Wild boast a roster with significant size, particularly on the blue line and among their forwards, which aids in puck control and physical play. However, the absence of key defensive personnel will undeniably impact their ability to stifle the Oilers’ potent offense, potentially leading to a more open game than usual for Minnesota.

Minnesota Wild Key Players

• Points: Kirill Kaprizov (66)
• Goals: Kirill Kaprizov (29)
• Assists: Kirill Kaprizov (37)

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.

Edmonton Oilers Team Performance

The Edmonton Oilers, while slightly behind the Wild in the standings, are a perennial threat driven by elite offensive talent. Their performance is often characterized by explosive scoring outbursts, especially on home ice. The Oilers’ roster features a blend of speed and skill, complemented by a robust defensive corps. Their ability to generate high-danger chances is unparalleled, but they occasionally exhibit vulnerabilities defensively, particularly when facing disciplined forechecking. The team’s record suggests they are finding their stride, but consistency remains a focus.

Edmonton Oilers Key Players

• Points: Connor McDavid (94)
• Goals: Connor McDavid (34)
• Assists: Connor McDavid (60)

Injury Report Edmonton Oilers

• Adam Henrique (Injured reserve): Henrique was moved to long-term injured reserve Tuesday.

Prediction: Minnesota Wild vs Edmonton Oilers

Given the Wild’s strong overall record and Kaprizov’s exceptional individual performance, they are well-positioned to compete fiercely. However, the critical defensive injuries to Brodin and Bogosian will be a significant challenge against an Oilers team featuring McDavid and Draisaitl. While Edmonton’s offense is formidable, the Wild’s disciplined structure often keeps games tight. Expect a competitive game where Minnesota’s resilience shines through, making them a strong play on the spread. The offensive firepower on both sides, combined with Minnesota’s defensive absences, suggests a high-scoring affair. Therefore, the prediction is Minnesota Wild +1.5 (Spread) and the total goals prediction is Over 6.5.