The Winnipeg Jets extinguished the Wild's playoff hopes last season, advancing to the second round in just five games before finally getting eliminated in the Western Conference finals by the Vegas Golden Knights.
After a run like that, Winnipeg is poised to be a contender this season and the Wild gets its first look in the regular season at its rival Friday when it hosts the Jets at Xcel Energy Center.
Although the Jets prevailed last season, it's the Wild that's had the upper hand so far this season in the standings.
After a 6-4 win over the Senators Wednesday, the Wild ranks second in the division while the Jets are third. Nashville continues to pace the group.
Look for the Wild to tighten up after it nearly blew that victory over Ottawa, with the Senators erasing a three-goal hole in the third period before the Wild pushed back with a pair of goals.
"[That was] big to kind of turn it back in our favor," center Eric Staal said. "Gutted it out and got the job done. That's all you're after."
Before facing Ottawa, the team made a tweak on defense – reuniting two pairings from last season by moving Jared Spurgeon next to Ryan Suter and assigning Matt Dumba alongside Jonas Brodin.
And another change could infiltrate the lineup Friday, as the Wild rolled out a few new lines up front during a skate Thursday.
