Fri Jan 09 02:40:00 UTC 2026: # Wild Face Kraken in Final Road Trip Game Amidst Goalie Rotation

The Story:

The Minnesota Wild are set to conclude their road trip against the Seattle Kraken tonight, January 9th, 2026, aiming to finish with a winning record. After a grueling stretch that saw them go 3-1-2, the Wild face a formidable Kraken team riding a hot streak of 8-1-1 in their last ten games. The Wild previously defeated the Kraken 4-1 earlier in the season with Gustavsson in net, but tonight, Jesper Wallstedt will take his place.

The game will feature a goaltender matchup between Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt and Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer. Wallstedt boasts a strong season record of 11-2-4 with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage. Grubauer, with an 8-3-1 record, has a 2.21 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage this season.

Key Points:

  • The Minnesota Wild (25-11-8) play the Seattle Kraken (20-14-7) on January 9th, 2026.
  • The Wild are 3-1-2 on their current road trip.
  • The Kraken are 8-1-1 in their last ten games and 4-0-0 in January.
  • Jesper Wallstedt will start in goal for the Wild.
  • Philipp Grubauer will start in goal for the Kraken.
  • The Wild previously defeated the Kraken 4-1 this season with Filip Gustavsson as goalie.
  • Jonas Brodin and Joel Eriksson Ek of the Wild have been named to Sweden’s Olympic Roster for the Milano Cortina Games.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wild’s goaltender rotation continues, giving Wallstedt an opportunity against the Kraken.
  • The Kraken present a significant challenge, entering the game with a strong recent record.
  • The game is a crucial one for the Wild to end their road trip on a high note.
  • The previous win against the Kraken provides some confidence, but the goaltender change alters the dynamic.
  • Olympic roster announcements add another layer to the team narrative.

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