Regardless of what happens Saturday night in St. Louis, this has been a productive week for the Wild.

The team has pocketed five out of a possible six points, a climb that has them in the thick of the West's playoff race.

But a win against the Blues would undoubtedly make this stretch even more meaningful.

"We've done what we've needed to do," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "It would be extra special if we could come into this building and squeak one out today. That would be a tremendous week and if you ever get seven points in a week, you're going to move up in the standings. That would be special for us."

Maneuvering around the Blues' towering blue line will likely be key for the Wild to have a chance to accomplish that. The unit, led by 6-foot-3 captain Alex Pietrangelo, 6-foot-6 Colton Parayko and 6-foot-4 Jay Bouwmeester is one of the best in the league.

"Holy geez, they're big and strong," Boudreau said. "They're very good, so you have to be more determined to try to get in front of the net. It's a tough job, and I think last spring (in the playoffs) we couldn't do it on a consistent basis and they know that. So I think it's going to be something they'll really talk about."

Projected lineup:

Daniel Winnik-Mikko Koivu-Mikael Granlund

Jason Zucker-Eric Staal-Nino Niederreiter

Tyler Ennis-Charlie Coyle-Zack Mitchell

Marcus Foligno-Matt Cullen-Chris Stewart

Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon

Jonas Brodin-Matt Dumba

Kyle Quincey-Gustav Olofsson

Devan Dubnyk

(The Wild held an optional morning skate Saturday in St. Louis.)

Key numbers:

6-1-1: The Wild's record over its past eight games.

8: Power-play goals by the Wild in its last 18 tries.

7: Goals by winger Nino Niederreiter over his past six games.

6: Wins by the Blues in eight games against the Central Division.

14-2-2: The Blues' record against the Wild in the teams' last 18 regular-season matchups in St. Louis.

About the Blues:

Despite getting blanked 2-0 by the Predators Friday, the Blues remain atop the Western Conference with 33 points. Contributions throughout the lineup have boosted the team. Their 21 goals from defensemen pace the NHL. The team's save percentage (.914) and goals-against average (2.61) rank in the top-10 in the league. And the Blues' plus-20 goal differential at even strength is tops. "We have to get good goaltending and play strong defensively and look for our breaks," Boudreau said. "That's how you're going to beat this team. They're the best in the league."