Wild's week ahead
December 24, 2016 at 11:31PM
Tuesday: at Nashville, 7 p.m.
Thur.: vs. N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.
Saturday: vs. Columbus, 5 p.m.
All games on FSN
Player to watch: Zach Werenski, Columbus
It's not only forwards Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews wowing as rookies. The Blue Jackets teenager leads all rookie defensemen in scoring and is a bona fide Calder Trophy contender.
VOICES
"We have to keep winning if we want to catch Chicago."
Veteran Eric Staal showing the Wild's expectation is to win the Central Division, not finish seventh or eighth for a fifth consecutive season.
about the writer
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand take a look back at the weekend in sports and a look ahead to Monday’s huge playoff game between the Vikings and Rams. The NFL playoffs so far have been a dud, with either lopsided results, mediocre action or both. The Vikings know going into Monday that they would face the Eagles if they advance to the next round.
