Wild Hosts Kraken in Prince-Themed Home Game

Minnesota looks to gain home-ice advantage in tight playoff race against Seattle

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a hockey game between the Minnesota Wild and Seattle Kraken, with the players' movements and the energy of the game expressed through a fractured, multi-perspective composition of sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The Wild and Kraken clash in a crucial late-season matchup, with Minnesota fighting for home-ice advantage in the playoffs.Burnsville Today

The Minnesota Wild returns home to face the Seattle Kraken at Grand Casino Arena after a successful 2-0-0 road trip. The Wild is in a tight battle for home-ice advantage in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs and hopes to gain every point possible against the Kraken. Tonight's game features in-arena elements paying tribute to Minnesota's beloved musician Prince.

Why it matters

The Wild is in a close race with the Dallas Stars for home-ice advantage in the playoffs, so every point is crucial. The team will also be celebrating Prince with special in-game elements, honoring the iconic Minnesota musician.

The details

The Wild is coming off a 2-0-0 road trip to Ottawa and Detroit and will look to continue their strong play at home against the Kraken. Minnesota won the first two meetings between the teams this season, 4-1 and 3-2 in overtime. Key players like Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber have led the Wild's offense against Seattle so far.

  • The Wild and Kraken will face off tonight, April 7, 2026, at Grand Casino Arena.
  • Minnesota won the series-opening game, 4-1, at Climate Pledge Arena on December 8th.
  • The Wild then won the second meeting, 3-2 in overtime, in Seattle on January 8th.

The players

Joel Eriksson Ek

The Wild center leads the team with 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in the season series against the Kraken.

Kirill Kaprizov

The Wild's star left winger also has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) against Seattle this season.

Seattle Kraken

The Wild's opponent, the Seattle Kraken, who they have had success against this season, winning both previous matchups.

Minnesota Wild

The home team, the Minnesota Wild, who are looking to gain home-ice advantage in the playoffs with a win over the Kraken.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to play our game and take care of business at home if we want the best chance at home-ice in the playoffs.”

— Dean Evason, Wild Head Coach

What’s next

The Wild will look to continue their strong play against the Kraken and gain valuable points in the race for home-ice advantage in the playoffs.

The takeaway

This game is crucial for the Wild as they battle for home-ice in the playoffs, and the Prince-themed elements will make it a special night for the Minnesota faithful at Grand Casino Arena.