The Wild look to build on their season-opening victory against a Bruins team seeking a third consecutive win
Category: Sports
SAINT PAUL, MINN. — The Minnesota Wild are set to host the Boston Bruins tonight, October 3, 2026, for their 2026-27 home opener at Grand Casino Arena. The Wild enter the game with a record of 1-0-0 after defeating the Nashville Predators 3-1 in their season opener, whereas the Bruins stand at 2-0-0 following an overtime victory against the Winnipeg Jets.
This matchup is particularly notable as it marks the Wild's first non-preseason home game since their elimination in the second round of last season's playoffs. The stakes are high, with the Wild looking to capitalize on their home ice advantage against a Bruins team that has shown resilience early in the season.
Both teams have displayed impressive offensive capabilities early in the season. The Bruins have averaged 3.5 goals per game, compared to the Wild's 3.0 goals per game. On the defensive end, the Bruins have a goals-against average of 1.5, slightly edging out the Wild's 2.0. Special teams will also play a key role, with the Wild boasting a power play percentage of 25.2% compared to the Bruins' 23.4%.
Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin, who played for the Bruins from 2000 to 2002, noted the importance of this game, stating, "We want to show our fans what we can do at home. Every point counts, especially early in the season." Wild Head Coach John Hynes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for his team to build on their early success.
In terms of player matchups, Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov has been particularly effective against the Bruins, scoring nine goals in seven games against them. He finished last season with 89 points, including 45 goals. Meanwhile, Bruins forward David Pastrnak, who scored 29 goals last season, will be a key player to watch as well.
In the crease, Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start for the Wild after a strong showing in their season opener, where he recorded a 1.01 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage. On the other side, the Bruins may turn to Michael DiPietro for his season debut after Jeremy Swayman started in their previous game.
The 2026-27 season is shaping up to be a competitive one in the NHL, with both the Wild and Bruins looking to establish themselves early. The Wild's roster remains largely intact from last season, bolstered by new additions like Blake Coleman, who scored in the season opener. Hynes praised the new players, stating, "I thought all three of those guys picked up where they left off. They impacted the game positively." This continuity, combined with fresh talent, could be a recipe for success this season.
In their last meeting on March 28, 2026, the Wild faced off against the Bruins at TD Garden, where the game highlighted the intensity of the competition between these two teams. Historically, the Wild have maintained a solid record against the Bruins, with an all-time record of 20-11-5 against them. Notably, ten of the 18 games played in Saint Paul have been decided by a single goal, indicating how closely matched these teams often are.
The Bruins, meanwhile, have made headlines for their resilience. After starting the season with a shutout against the New York Rangers, they followed up with a dramatic 4-3 overtime win against the Jets. This early momentum is something the Bruins hope to carry into tonight's game, even as they face the challenge of playing on back-to-back nights.
As the Wild prepare to take the ice, they are focused on maintaining their winning momentum. A victory tonight would solidify their standing in the Central Division and provide a boost in confidence as they navigate the early part of the season. Hynes emphasized the importance of capitalizing on home games, stating, "We have to protect our home ice and make it a tough place for teams to come in and play."
The Bruins, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games. Following their overtime victory, they will need to manage their fatigue effectively as they face a well-rested Wild team. Coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged the challenge, saying, "It’s going to be a test for us. We have to find a way to dig deep and get the job done on the road."
In terms of injury updates, the Wild will be without goaltender Filip Gustavsson, who is sidelined with a hip injury, and defenseman Brock Faber, who is out due to a skull injury. The Bruins will miss forward Matthew Poitras, who is out with a lower-body injury. These absences could significantly impact both teams' strategies and lineups.
Tonight's game will likely be an exciting matchup between two competitive teams looking to assert their dominance early in the season. Fans can catch the action at 8 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcast on ESPN+ and available on radio stations 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston and KFAN 100.3 FM in Minnesota. As the Wild aim to impress their home crowd, the Bruins will strive to maintain their perfect start to the season.