The Wild is near the bottom of the NHL in some key categories, such as wins and points, the residual effect of the team getting off to the worst start in franchise history.
But where it's at the top of the leaderboard is in fewest home games played.
After taking on the Kings on Saturday at Xcel Energy Center, the Wild became the last club to make just its fourth showing on home ice — which is tied for the lowest number of appearances across the league.
Not only has this schedule magnified the importance of the Wild succeeding on the road, which has been a struggle so far with the team 1-6 as the visitor, but it's also affected players' lives off the ice since they've had less time at home.
"Obviously, we have quite a few guys with multiple kids," goalie Alex Stalock said. "… That's hard. I know I've kind of said to my family, 'Once we get through this first couple months, we'll be home a little more.' "
Before the third of four mandatory days off each month on Sunday, the Wild spent 13 of 26 days in October either flying out for a game or playing/practicing on the road — an itinerary that has limited the downtime at home. And players have felt the squeeze.
And November will be much of the same, with a four-game trip near the beginning of the month and a three-game trek around the end.
"I'll go to practice, and then I won't get home till an hour or two hours later because I have to get some stuff done," Stalock said. "… You're home, but you're not home."
