The Minnesota Wild are set to face the Chicago Blackhawks, entering the match with a troubling four-game losing streak. The Wild recently sent Jesper Wallstedt and Travis Boyd back to the minors, as they continue to deal with injuries, including that of goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after a loss that halted their three-game winning streak. Star center Connor Bedard leads the team with 29 points, and they are adjusting to a recent coaching change.

The Minnesota Wild face off against the Anaheim Ducks in a crucial matchup, both teams grappling with significant injuries. The Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, while the Ducks' Trevor Zegras is also sidelined after sustaining a lower-body injury.

As the Wild prepare for a three-game road trip, they have recalled forwards Travis Boyd and Reese Johnson to bolster their lineup. Meanwhile, the Ducks, struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference, are looking to bounce back after a recent loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Defenseman David Jiricek has been traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Minnesota Wild, marking a significant move for both teams. Jiricek, the sixth overall pick in 2022, was quickly assigned to the AHL's Iowa Wild after the trade.

Rumors suggested that the Los Angeles Kings were also interested in acquiring Jiricek, with speculation surrounding potential trades involving their players. The Kings' management faces scrutiny over their roster decisions and the impact of this trade on their defensive strategy.