The Wild's tour of Ontario continues Saturday, with its second stop on a four-game road trip at Canadian Tire Centre to face the Senators.
This contest will wrap up the season series between these two teams, as the Wild won the previous meeting 6-4 Nov.21 in Minnesota. The team is also coming off a 4-3 win over the Maple Leafs Thursday, an effort that saw a handful of players contribute offensively.
Captain Mikko Koivu scored his second goal in as many games, while winger Zach Parise tallied the game-winning goal and an assist for his ninth multi-point performance of the season. During a four-game point streak, Parise has three goals and three assists.
Parise's linemate Charlie Coyle also chipped in a goal and an assist to extend his point streak to a season-high three games – a span in which he has two goals and four points.
And on defense, Jared Spurgeon tied a career high Thursday with three points, which included a goal. Spurgeon also blocked a game-high five shots.
"You have to have it," coach Bruce Boudreau said about shot blocking, "and today the equipment allows it to happen. … In today's world, you almost have to have everybody ready and willing to do that job."
With another early start – puck drop is 1 p.m. local time – the Wild did not conduct a morning skate Saturday. The team did practice Friday and although winger Mikael Granlund didn't participate, instead taking a maintenance day, Boudreau said Granlund will suit up against the Senators.
Projected lineup:
