WILD'S WEEK AHEAD

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.