Slipping down the standings amid a 1-5-1 slide, the Wild shuffled its forward lines Thursday ahead of facing the red-hot Lightning at Xcel Energy Center – the start of a four in a row at home before the All-Star break.
"We haven't been successful, right?" coach Bruce Boudreau said. "The hockey world makes changes when you're not successful, so we're making changes in the lines."
Only one trio, the third line, remained intact.
Zach Parise moved up to the first line, Victor Rask is centering the second and in perhaps the most significant tweak captain Mikko Koivu is on the fourth line with wingers Jordan Greenway and Ryan Hartman.
The Wild's defensive pairings reverted to what they were supposed to be Tuesday in Pittsburgh before a lineup mishap scratched Greg Pateryn. Backup Alex Stalock will get the start in net.
Everyone except defenseman Brad Hunt (sick) was on the ice Thursday morning, including defenseman Nick Seeler, who returned from his conditioning stint in the minors. The group reconvened after staying off the ice Wednesday, instead taking a mental break to regroup after a 7-3 blowout loss to the Penguins.
"I thought guys were excited to be here and excited for a game day," center Eric Staal said. "You gotta be. It's the NHL. Great test. Great opportunity. Guys were out early for morning skate and ready to go. Hopefully we come with that excitement and energy tonight because it's important."
Projected lineup:
