Minnesota Wild vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction | NHL 20.01.26

Minnesota Wild vs Montreal Canadiens Game Analysis | 20-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on 20-01-2026 at 7:00 PM in Bell Centre, Montreal, pits the Minnesota Wild (28-13-9) against the Montreal Canadiens (27-15-7). Both teams enter with strong records, positioning themselves firmly in the playoff picture, setting the stage for a compelling cross-conference battle.

Minnesota Wild Team Performance

The Wild have demonstrated a robust season thus far, largely driven by their top-tier offensive talent. However, their recent performance is under considerable strain due to a significant wave of injuries, particularly to key defensive and two-way forwards. The absence of cornerstone players like Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin will undoubtedly test their depth and defensive structure. Their ability to maintain their strong record hinges on Kirill Kaprizov’s continued brilliance and how effectively their remaining lineup can compensate for critical absences on the road.

Minnesota Wild Key Players

• Points: Kirill Kaprizov (57)
• Goals: Kirill Kaprizov (25)
• Assists: Kirill Kaprizov (32)

Injury Report Minnesota Wild

• Marcus Johansson (Out): Johansson (lower body) will not travel with the team on their upcoming three-game road trip.
• Joel Eriksson Ek (Injured reserve): Eriksson Ek (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Friday.
• Jonas Brodin (Injured reserve): Brodin (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.
• Zach Bogosian (Injured reserve): Head coach John Hynes anticipates Bogosian (undisclosed) will be able to return at some point during the Wild’s upcoming three-game road trip.

Montreal Canadiens Team Performance

The Canadiens arrive with a commendable record, showcasing a balanced attack and solid defensive play throughout the season. Their home-ice advantage at the Bell Centre is a significant factor. With a relatively healthier roster compared to their opponents, Montreal can deploy a more consistent lineup. Key offensive contributors like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and the emerging Lane Hutson on defense provide a multi-faceted threat that can exploit any defensive vulnerabilities, especially against a depleted Wild backend.

Montreal Canadiens Key Players

• Points: Nick Suzuki (54)
• Goals: Cole Caufield (24)
• Assists: Lane Hutson (42)

Injury Report Montreal Canadiens

• Patrik Laine (Injured reserve): Laine (abdomen) is practicing Saturday in a non-contact jersey.

Prediction: Minnesota Wild vs Montreal Canadiens

Considering the significant injury challenges facing the Minnesota Wild, particularly on defense and down the middle with Eriksson Ek and Brodin sidelined, the Montreal Canadiens appear to have a distinct advantage on home ice. While Kirill Kaprizov remains an elite threat, the Wild’s overall depth and defensive integrity are compromised, making a road victory against a solid Canadiens team a tough ask. However, the Wild’s resilience and Kaprizov’s offensive potential suggest they could keep the game close, even if they don’t secure the win outright. Additionally, with both teams possessing strong offensive talents and the Wild’s defensive gaps, a higher-scoring game is anticipated.

Minnesota Wild +1.5 (Spread)

Total Goals: Over 6.5