The Minnesota Wild are the hottest team in the NHL. They have won seven straight and have now opened up a three point lead in the race for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. that lead and their streak will be challenged later this week against Chicago.
First, the Wild have to take care of business as the Wild visit Winnipeg for the first time in franchise history. The Wild did not exist when the original Jets existed, but now that the Atlanta Thrashers moved north of the border they'll host the Wild on Tuesday night.
The Wild have a quick turnaround as they return home Wednesday night to face the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks trail the Wild by three points for the top spot in the Western Conference, making this a critical game in the middle of the season.
Saturday night should be a bit of a breather as the lowly New York Islanders visit the Xcel Energy Center. The Islanders have only 24 points and are the second worst team in the Eastern Conference. They are also only 3-5-3 on the road.