DETROIT – What's at stake for the Wild isn't the same for the team it'll share the ice with Thursday night.
While the Wild is battling for a playoff spot, sitting three shy of the second wildcard berth in the Western Conference, the Red Wings are already mathematically eliminated from contention. They're last in the NHL with just 34 points.
Not letting its urgency dip against a squad that doesn't have much to salvage this season is the challenge that faces the Wild.
"The important part for us is we have something to play for and a lot to play for," interim coach Dean Evason said. "That's what we're concentrating on each and every night. It's how we play. It's not necessarily where or who we play. It's how the Minnesota Wild play."
This is the start of a two-game road trip on back-to-back nights; after playing Detroit, the Wild will be in action Friday in Columbus.
Earlier this week, the Wild hosted the Blue Jackets at Xcel Energy Center and narrowly eked out a 5-4 win. The Wild is expected to use the same lineup Thursday.
"For us, it's a must two points," goalie Alex Stalock said. "Obviously, for them they're working for jobs. … We gotta play our game. We come in and play our game and work hard, we're going to give ourselves a good chance tonight."
Projected lineup:
