Hockey is weird. One minute you’re watching a routine mid-season game, and the next, someone is getting shoved into the bench and the crowd is screaming like it’s Game 7. That’s basically the vibe whenever we get a Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks matchup.
It’s not just a game. It’s a proximity thing. St. Paul and Chicago are close enough to make the travel easy for fans, but far enough that the cultural divide feels real. You’ve got the State of Hockey on one side and the Original Six legacy on the other. It’s a recipe for some of the best regular-season hockey in the Central Division.
What’s the deal with the rivalry?
Honestly, if you ask a Wild fan, they still have scars from 2013, 2014, and 2015. Three years in a row. Chicago knocked Minnesota out of the playoffs every single time. It was brutal. Minnesota could be having a legendary season, and then they’d run into the Blackhawks buzzsaw.
Chicago was at their peak then—Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith. They were winning Stanley Cups like it was a hobby. Meanwhile, Minnesota was the scrappy team trying to break through the ceiling.
Fast forward to now, and the roles have kinda flipped. The Wild are the ones consistently pushing for playoff spots, while Chicago is in the middle of a massive rebuild. But that doesn’t mean the games are boring. If anything, the arrival of Connor Bedard has injected a fresh dose of adrenaline into the whole thing.
The Kaprizov and Bedard factor
You really can't talk about Minnesota and Chicago without mentioning the star power. Kirill Kaprizov is, frankly, one of the most exciting players to ever wear a Wild sweater. His edge work is insane. He’s the type of player who can be invisible for two periods and then win the game in thirty seconds of overtime.
On the other side, you’ve got the "Next Big Thing." Bedard is carrying the weight of a franchise on his shoulders. What's cool is that Bedard himself has actually compared his playing style to Kaprizov’s in the past. They both use those low-center-of-gravity turns and deceptive releases.
When they’re on the ice together? Pure magic.
Recent history and the "State of Hockey" dominance
The regular season tells a different story than the playoffs did a decade ago. Minnesota has actually owned the Blackhawks lately.
Just look at their meeting on November 26, 2025. It was a classic. Chicago actually jumped out to a 2-0 lead, and it looked like the United Center was going to have a party. But Minnesota doesn't quit. They clawed back, and—shocker—Kirill Kaprizov buried the winner in overtime.
- Final Score: Wild 4, Blackhawks 3 (OT)
- Key Performers: Matt Boldy (3 points), Brock Faber (Goal), Connor Bedard (Goal and Assist)
- The Vibe: High tension, 18 penalty minutes for the Wild, and a lot of chirping.
Minnesota’s depth usually wins out in these games. Guys like Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno make life miserable for Chicago’s younger, smaller forwards. It’s a physical mismatch that the Blackhawks are still trying to bridge with their draft picks.
Why the Blackhawks are catching up
Chicago isn't just a one-man show with Bedard anymore. They’ve been stocking the cupboard. Artyom Levshunov, the big defenseman they took 2nd overall in 2024, is already making an impact. In that November game, he scored his first career NHL goal against the Wild.
He’s a big part of why Chicago’s future looks bright. They’re moving away from being a "soft" team and starting to develop that sandpaper that helps you win divisional games.
Where to watch and what to look for
If you’re heading to the Xcel Energy Center or the United Center, bring earplugs. These games are loud. The next big showdown is scheduled for January 27, 2026, in St. Paul.
Here is what you should be watching for:
- The Goaltending Duel: Filip Gustavsson has been a rock for the Wild, but Chicago’s Spencer Knight is proving he belongs in the starter conversation.
- Special Teams: The Wild’s power play is lethal when Kaprizov and Boldy are clicking. Chicago’s penalty kill is still a work in progress.
- The "Grit" Factor: Keep an eye on the boards. These teams don't like each other. Expect a lot of post-whistle scuffles.
Breaking down the stats
If you love numbers, the head-to-head record is pretty fascinating. Despite the playoff heartbreak for Minnesota fans, the Wild actually have a winning record against Chicago in the regular season.
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Historically, Minnesota has won nearly 60% of their regular-season meetings. It’s one of those weird statistical quirks. The Wild dominate the "marathon" of the season, but Chicago has historically won the "sprint" of the playoffs.
But hey, that was the old Blackhawks. The new version is hungry, and the Wild are trying to prove they’re the true kings of the Central.
How to get the most out of the next game
If you're betting or just playing fantasy, here are a few actionable tips for the next Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks tilt:
- Bet the Over: These teams tend to trade goals. With the offensive talent on both sides and some defensive lapses from the young Chicago core, games often end up in the 4-3 or 5-4 range.
- Watch the matchups: Look for the Wild to try and put the Eriksson Ek line against Bedard. It’s a "welcome to the league" moment every time.
- Check the injuries: Minnesota has been dealing with some banged-up players lately, including Jared Spurgeon. A missing captain changes the whole dynamic of their defense.
The rivalry is alive and well. It might not have the "Original Six" history of Chicago vs. Detroit, but for fans in the Midwest, it’s the game you circle on the calendar. Whether it’s a Tuesday night in November or a Saturday in March, you know you’re going to see something special.
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Check the local listings on Bally Sports North (or whatever they’re calling it this week) or Chicago Sports Network. Don't miss it.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the official NHL injury reports 24 hours before puck drop, as late scratches have significantly swung the betting lines in the last three matchups. If you're planning to attend the January 27th game at Xcel Energy Center, consider arriving early for the "State of Hockey" pre-game festivities, which usually feature alumni from both franchises given the deep ties between the two cities.