Wild vs. Kings: Kirill Kaprizov and his team are rolling along right now
19-6-1. 98. Bally Sports North. 67. Wild -1.5. 9:30 p.m. CST. Saturday, Dec. 11. 11-10-4
Remember earlier this season when we were all asking what is wrong with Kirill Kaprizov?
Turns out there was nothing to worry about at all.
The second-year forward, who had a slow start to the year, suddenly has 26 points since the start of November to rank sixth in the NHL over that time span. Kaprizov, who had an empty-net goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over San Jose on Thursday, enters Saturday night’s matchup with the Los Angeles Kings on a seven-game point streak.
Kaprizov has five goals and 13 points over that stretch for the Wild, who have picked up points in nine straight games and have won the last eight.
With his hot streak, Kaprizov is tied with Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos and the New York Rangers Artemi Panarin for fifth in the league with 32 points on the season.
OH YEAH 😉
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 10, 2021
NOT WEIRD. WILD. pic.twitter.com/lMlnDUOPOs
Kaprizov is not the only Wild player as Joel Erikkson Ek has two goals and six points over the past week, tied for fourth in the league over that span. The center had a goal and an assist as the Wild had at least four goals in a game for the 15th time over the past 18 matchups.
Minnesota, which travels to Vegas on Sunday, enters the weekend with a Western Conference-best 39 points. Saturday night’s matchup marks the Wild’s second trip to Los Angeles this season. Minnesota edged the Kings 3-2 on Oct. 10.
As for the #mnwild's eight-game win streak, it's the third longest in team history.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) December 10, 2021
Only twice has the team remained undefeated longer: 2016-17 (12 games) and 2006-07 (9 games).
The Kings shut out the Dallas Stars on Thursday, just the team’s third win over the past 11 games.
Minnesota, which has won the first two of a four-game road trip, is 16-5-4 over its last 25 games in Los Angeles.
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Betting odds
The Wild vs. Kings odds on WynnBET has Minnesota as a 1.5 goal favorite on the road.. The Wild are also listed as -145 favorites on the moneyline with Los Angeles being the home underdog at +135 The total goals is set at an over/under of 5.5.
Upcoming Wild schedule
Sunday, Dec. 12: @Vegas, 8 p.m. CST
Tuesday, Dec. 14: Carolina, 7 p.m. CST
Thursday, Dec. 16: Buffalo, 7 p.m. CST