Wild vs Hurricanes: Game Preview and Line Combinations
The Minnesota Wild (5-6-3) will face the Carolina Hurricanes (8-4-0) tonight on the road, marking the first game of a back-to-back series. There is only one change in the Wild lineup for this match.
Defense Update
Daemon Hunt will make his season debut on the third defensive pairing alongside Zeev Buium. Hunt, 23, hasn’t played in an NHL game since October and will be on his offside. This pairing will be the last line change since the Wild are playing away. David Jiricek, who has no points in ten games and a minus-3 rating, will be out of the lineup.
Forward Line Combinations
- Kirill Kaprizov – Marco Rossi – Marcus Johansson
- Vladimir Tarasenko – Joel Eriksson Ek – Matt Boldy
- Marcus Foligno – Ryan Hartman – Vinnie Hinostroza
The fourth line remains unchanged, with Ben Jones, Yakov Trenin, and Tyler Pitlick continuing to play together. The Wild have won all three games with this trio on the ice.
Healthy Scratch and Player Outlook
Danila Yurov has been a healthy scratch for the third consecutive game, prompting questions about his future role. He played in two earlier games this season, scoring his first NHL goal in one of them as the third-line center in New York. The Wild won both games he was scratched.
“Yurov being scratched for three consecutive games will be something to keep an eye on.”
Additional Notes
Mats Zuccarello is probable to return for Saturday’s game.
Author's Summary
The Wild’s lineup changes highlight a strategic shift as new players debut and some prospects face uncertain prospects amid an important road series against the Hurricanes.