Wild goaltender Alex Stalock (32) stops the shot by Tampa Bay's Anthony Cirelli (71) with help from defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) during the third period Thursday. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
Wild goaltender Alex Stalock (32) and Tampa Bay Lightning's Anthony Cirelli (71) watch as a goal by Nikita Kucherov, not pictured, goes into the net during the third period Thursday.
The Wild snapped out of its funk Thursday with a much-improved performance, upending the Lightning 3-2.
But it remains seven points shy of a playoff spot, a gap it can try to shrink Saturday when it hosts the Stars at Xcel Energy Center.
"It's great to break the losing streak," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "It's great to play good at home, play against a top-notch team. But listen, we've got to do it again and again and again and again. One time is not enough. Hopefully, we can get the same kind of effort.''
After practicing Friday, the Wild didn't hold a morning skate Saturday but it wouldn't be a surprise if the team rolled out the same lineup that broke a four-game losing streak Thursday.
Goalie Alex Stalock was in net for that game, improving to 6-1-1 this season at home this season with a 2.33 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.
"We limited time and space on some of the skill guys," Stalock said about what worked vs. Tampa Bay. "That's how we need to play. Sometimes it's boring; it's hard work. We got it done last night. But the main thing is, you put in all that hard, boring work, and you get smiles. That's what it's all about.''
