Minnesota Wild Defeat Anaheim Ducks 5-2 at Honda Center

In a decisive match at the Honda Center, the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Anaheim Ducks with a final score of 5-2. This victory extends Minnesota's dominance in the series, marking their third consecutive win against the Ducks this season, and they now lead the series 3-0. The Wild showcased their offensive prowess, particularly through the contributions of Kirill Kaprizov and Danila Yurov, who were instrumental in securing the win.

The Ducks entered this game struggling, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games, and they were on a four-game losing streak. Their recent performances have seen them average just 2.6 goals scored per game while allowing 4.3. In contrast, the Wild were in much better form, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, although they had just suffered a loss in their previous outing. Minnesota's scoring average during this stretch was 3.9 goals per game, with only 2.5 goals allowed.

At home, the Ducks have struggled significantly, holding a record of 1-4 in their last five games. Their overall home record stands at 21-17-3. Meanwhile, the Wild have performed well on the road, with a record of 25-10-7, indicating their ability to secure wins away from home.

In their previous meetings this season, the Ducks have faced tough losses against the Wild, including a 0-2 defeat on November 15, 2025, and a 2-3 loss on April 16, 2025. Historically, the Ducks have struggled against Minnesota, with a series record of 0-4 in their last four encounters.

In terms of injuries, the Ducks were missing several key players, including Nick Jensen, Petr Mrazek, Troy Terry, Drew Helleson, and Ryan Poehling, all of whom were out due to various injuries. The Wild were also impacted by the absence of goaltender Filip Gustavsson, who was out with a hip injury.

The betting lines from DraftKings reflected Minnesota's strong position, with the Wild favored at -142 on the money line, while the Ducks were listed at +120. The spread was set at 1.5, and the total for the game was 6.5, with over odds at -105 and under odds at -115.

The game conditions were typical for January hockey, with players needing to adapt to the cold environment of the arena. The scoring plays highlighted the Wild's efficiency, starting with a goal from Kaprizov in the first period, followed by two goals from Yurov in the second period, and contributions from Yakov Trenin and Nico Sturm. The Ducks managed to score twice, with Beckett Sennecke and Troy Terry finding the net, but it was not enough to overcome the Wild's lead.

Fans watching the game were treated to a display of skill from Minnesota's offensive players, particularly the synergy between Kaprizov and his teammates, which proved to be a decisive factor in the match. The Ducks, despite their struggles, showed moments of promise but ultimately could not match the intensity and execution of the Wild.