The Wild has found a groove lately, picking up points in four of its last five games, but coach Bruce Boudreau reminded his team about the importance of avoiding a letdown Tuesday against the Flames – the start of a three-game homestand after a successful three-game road trip.
"I've mentioned it three times already," Boudreau said at Xcel Energy after the team's morning skate. "I'll mention it twice again before the game starts. All we can do is make them aware and hope they come to play."
Home ice, however, looks like it could be just the backdrop the Wild needs to continue its rhythm. The Wild has gone 5-0-1 at Xcel Energy Center since Nov.14, its longest point streak at home since it went 8-0 Nov.23-Dec.29 of last season.
"We had a lot of success on the road, and, sure, the mindset is always a little different when we come home versus on the road," captain Mikko Koivu said. "But still, the game is the same and you want to play the same way that you're supposed to play. It sounds like a cliché, but that's what it is.
"I think we've been able to stay with it, and there was ups and downs through that trip. But we were pretty even-keeled and when we do that, we always have a chance to win. So we need to bring that home."
After hosting the Flames, the Maple Leafs visit Thursday and then the Oilers stop by for a matinee Saturday before the Wild goes to Chicago to complete a back-to-back against the Blackhawks Sunday.
Boudreau hopes defenseman Jared Spurgeon, who's been sidelined since Nov.27 with a groin strain, is an option to play at some point this week.
"I think you'll find in the next couple days or the next day, even tomorrow, Spurge will probably be rejoining us in practice," Boudreau said.
