Wild's clinching scenarios tonight and how next week's trip is shaping up to be dramatic

Wild and Detroit Red Wings tonight at 6 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center.

Pavel Datsyuk returns for the Wings. Devan Dubnyk vs. Jimmy Howard in goal. For Dubnyk, it'll be his 37th consecutive start overall, the most in the NHL since Evgeni Nabokov started 43 in a row for San Jose in 2007-08.

The Wild will be looking to rebound from Thursday's loss to the Rangers. The Wild has not lost two in a row in regulation under Dubnyk or two in a row (including shootout) since Jan. 19-20 (vs. Columbus, at Detroit).

Last time the Wild faced the Wings, it rallied from 4-1 down in the third, the tying goal coming on an incredible play by Zach Parise to steal a breakout pass from Jonathan Ericsson at the goalmouth. All the Wild's vets were great -- Parise, Mikko Koivu, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, Ryan Suter.

Erik Haula and Nate Prosser in for the Wild tonight, Ryan Carter and Jordan Leopold sit. Suter is fine to play, coach Mike Yeo said.

The Wild would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Red Wings in regulation or overtime AND any of the following occurs:
- the Flames lose in regulation
- the Flames lose in overtime or shootout AND either the Jets or Kings lose in regulation
- both the Jets and Kings lose in regulation
The Wild would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Red Wings in a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

- the Flames lose in any fashion AND either the Jets or Kings lose in regulation
- both the Jets and Kings lose in regulation
The Wild cannot clinch a playoff berth Saturday if they lose in any fashion.

Basically, the Wild will have a large say next week who wins the Central and its likely first-round opponent if the Wild makes the playoffs.

The Wild closes the regular season at Chicago on Tuesday, at Nashville on Thursday and at St. Louis on Saturday.

DRAMA!!!!!

Remember, if the Wild finishes in the top wildcard spot, it plays the second-best division winner. The three top Central teams all have two games in hand on Anaheim, but the Ducks so far look in decent shape to win the West.