As if getting back into game mode after a five-day break wasn't already a challenge for the Wild, the team will try to contain the NHL-leading Lightning in its return to action Saturday at Xcel Energy Center.
"They're one of the best teams in the league for a reason," winger Jason Zucker said. "It's an exciting game. They're a fun team to play against. I think it can be a track-meet style game at times with these guys, and that's a lot of fun.
"But if we do what we need to do and make sure we're clogging up the neutral zone and not letting them skate with the puck freely and use their skill, then I think we'll be fine."
The Wild practiced Friday and held an optional morning skate Saturday; the focus when puck drop rolls around will be to keep play simple to try to regain a feel for the puck and limit turnovers.
"I thought we had a good practice yesterday," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "But time will tell. Most teams that have come out of the break this year have been pretty sloppy in turning pucks over and stuff like that. Hopefully we're not. Hopefully we do the right things and play the right way because we're going to have to to beat this team."
This is the Lightning's second game since it wrapped up its bye week. In its first game back, the team fell 4-1 to the Golden Knights at home.
"It's a great challenge to play the best team in the league, or you're afraid to play the best team in the league," Boudreau said. "If you take it as being afraid, then all of a sudden you're not going to be successful. We think it's a great challenge. We're rested. We're ready to go, so hopefully the best happens."
Projected lineup:
