Center Eric Staal didn't finish Tuesday's game, leaving in the first period of an eventual 3-2 shootout loss to the Ducks after he collided with a linesman along the boards, but Staal could play Thursday against the Oilers at Xcel Energy Center.
Staal is considered a game-time decision after participating in the team's morning skate. Just in case Staal can't play, the Wild will dress winger Gerald Mayhew – whom the team recalled from the minors Wednesday – for warmups.
"He's tough," coach Bruce Boudreau said of Staal. "If you look at his games played for the seasons, he doesn't miss too much because Eric's a pretty tough kid. We want him to be 100 percent and if he's 100 percent, he'll play."
If Staal suits up, the Wild could use the same lineup against Edmonton that it had Tuesday.
That's because goalie Kaapo Kahkonen will make back-to-back starts, the first time that's happened this season, and defenseman Brennan Menell is also playing after making his NHL debut vs. Anaheim.
"I feel that I've always liked that a little more, getting to play regularly," Kahkonen said. "Obviously, it's a team game and I play whenever I get a chance to play and try to do my best and help the team out. I think right now I still approach it the same way."
Goalie Devan Dubnyk, who's been away from the team while his wife Jenn deals with a medical situation, skated Thursday morning, and Boudreau said Dubnyk is hoping to accompany the team on its upcoming road trip.
"We should know more about it by the weekend," Boudreau said.
