Regardless of what happens Saturday night in St. Louis, this has been a productive week for the Wild.
The team has pocketed five out of a possible six points, a climb that has them in the thick of the West's playoff race.
But a win against the Blues would undoubtedly make this stretch even more meaningful.
"We've done what we've needed to do," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "It would be extra special if we could come into this building and squeak one out today. That would be a tremendous week and if you ever get seven points in a week, you're going to move up in the standings. That would be special for us."
Maneuvering around the Blues' towering blue line will likely be key for the Wild to have a chance to accomplish that. The unit, led by 6-foot-3 captain Alex Pietrangelo, 6-foot-6 Colton Parayko and 6-foot-4 Jay Bouwmeester is one of the best in the league.
"Holy geez, they're big and strong," Boudreau said. "They're very good, so you have to be more determined to try to get in front of the net. It's a tough job, and I think last spring (in the playoffs) we couldn't do it on a consistent basis and they know that. So I think it's going to be something they'll really talk about."
Projected lineup:
Daniel Winnik-Mikko Koivu-Mikael Granlund
