The Wild didn't spiral down the standings when it lost defensive pillar Jared Spurgeon to a groin strain late in November, going a respectable 6-3 while he was out.
But Spurgeon is no doubt poised to bolster the back end when he returns to the lineup Sunday against the Blackhawks.
"I think mentally for the players, it will be a big boost," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We'll see. He hasn't played for a while. I'm not expecting 30 minutes and be God out there, but he's always been a leader and inspirational guy for our team. So I hope he comes and he's that again today."
Sidelined since Nov.27, Spurgeon had three goals and 15 points in 23 games. To make room for him on the roster after activating him from injured reserve, the team assigned defenseman Ryan Murphy to Iowa of the American Hockey League Saturday.
Spurgeon won't be reunited with former partner Ryan Suter; instead, he'll take Murphy's spot next to Jonas Brodin, as Boudreau wanted to keep the Suter-Matt Dumba duo together.
"It's made Dumba a much better player," Boudreau said.
After a 26-save showing Saturday in a 3-2 loss to the Oilers, goalie Alex Stalock will be back between the pipes – backstopping the Wild as it begins a four-game road trip before the holiday break in a game against the Blackhawks that always seems to provide a measuring stick of sorts.
"Those guys know (for an) important game how to get up," Boudreau said of the Blackhawks. "We're still learning that I think."
