Game Preview and Standings Impact
Minnesota Wild enter as favorites with a 22-10-5 record, sitting third in the Central Division behind Colorado and Dallas. Their recent form, including a 7-3-0 stretch in last 10, underscores their playoff contention strength.
Nashville Predators, at 15-16-4, hold sixth in the division and cling to wildcard hopes. A win could close the gap on teams like Utah and St. Louis, boosting their postseason chances amid a middling 34 points total.
This game impacts the wildcard race, where Predators compete closely with Calgary Flames (34 points). A Minnesota victory solidifies their lead, while Nashville needs points to avoid falling further behind.
Star Players to Watch
Ryan O'Reilly leads Nashville with 30 points (10G, 20A), vital for their offense. Filip Forsberg adds 16 goals, including 1 PPG, making him a power-play threat against Wild's defense.
Minnesota's Matt Boldy shines with 43 points (22G, 21A), pacing the team in goals and assists. His recent 6 PPG form could exploit Nashville's road vulnerabilities.
Both teams feature balanced attacks, but goaltending will decide the outcome. Expect O'Reilly and Boldy to drive overtime potential in this evenly matched tilt.
Series History and Recent Form
The season series stands 1-0 Wild after their November 4 win, with more meetings scheduled February 4 and April 11. This December 23 game marks the second of four, intensifying rivalry stakes.
Wild boast a dominant home streak (13-4-4), while Predators seek road redemption after early struggles. Central Division play amplifies pressure, with playoff implications looming large.
Recent trends show Minnesota's resilience and Nashville's grit, setting up a holiday classic that could shift momentum for both franchises heading into 2026.