Predictions Minnesota Wild vs Buffalo Sabres | NHL 17.01.26

Minnesota Wild vs Buffalo Sabres Game Analysis | 17-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on January 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM in KeyBank Center, Buffalo, pits two competitive teams against each other: the Minnesota Wild (26-13-9) and the Buffalo Sabres (26-16-4). Both squads boast strong records, setting the stage for a compelling cross-conference clash.

Minnesota Wild Team Performance

The Minnesota Wild enter this contest with a solid record, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the season. Their 9 overtime losses, however, suggest a tendency to struggle in tight games or close them out effectively. The Wild’s identity often revolves around a tenacious forecheck and strong defensive structure, but recent injuries have significantly challenged this foundation. Their offensive output is heavily reliant on key individuals, a potential vulnerability if secondary scoring doesn’t emerge.

Minnesota Wild Key Players

• Points: Kirill Kaprizov (52)
• Goals: Kirill Kaprizov (25)
• Assists: Kirill Kaprizov (27)

Injury Report Minnesota Wild

• Joel Eriksson Ek (Injured reserve): Eriksson Ek (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Friday, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic.
• Jonas Brodin (Injured reserve): Brodin (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.
• Zach Bogosian (Injured reserve): Head coach John Hynes said Thursday that he anticipates that Bogosian (undisclosed) will be able to return at some point during the Wild’s upcoming three-game road trip, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Buffalo Sabres Team Performance

The Buffalo Sabres have established themselves as a formidable offensive force this season, highlighted by their strong goal-scoring capabilities. Their roster features a significant size advantage, particularly on the blue line with players like Owen Power (6’6″) and Mattias Samuelsson (6’4″), which contributes to strong puck retrieval and net-front presence. While their offense is potent, defensive consistency can sometimes be an area of concern, though their record indicates overall team strength. Playing at home, the Sabres will look to leverage their dynamic attack.

Buffalo Sabres Key Players

• Points: Tage Thompson (49)
• Goals: Tage Thompson (25)
• Assists: Rasmus Dahlin (27)

Injury Report Buffalo Sabres

• Alex Lyon (Injured reserve): Lyon (lower body) is expected to miss an additional 7-10 days, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports Wednesday.

Prediction: Minnesota Wild vs Buffalo Sabres

Considering the Wild’s significant defensive injuries to key personnel like Eriksson Ek and Brodin, combined with the Sabres’ potent offensive attack and considerable size advantage, especially at home, the Buffalo Sabres are predicted to emerge victorious. With both teams capable of generating offense and the Wild’s defensive core compromised, expect a more open game with ample scoring opportunities. Therefore, the total goals prediction is over the line of 6.5.