Lighthouse Lookout – February 5th, 2014

Feb 1, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save against the Calgary Flames during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Wild beat the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Xcel Energy Center last night by the score of 2-1. With the win, and losses for Vancouver and Phoenix, Minnesota cushioned their lead for the first wildcard playoff spot by another two points. The Wild currently sit at 67 points–four ahead of Vancouver, and five ahead of Phoenix. Only one more game to go before the Olympic break. Here’s your latest and greatest Wild news.

Latest From Gone Puck Wild:

Marco Scandella Considered “Doubtful” Versus Predators – Jared Spurgeon returns, Marco Scandella gets injured. Of course.

Olympics Vital for Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild – Like it or not, Koivu’s participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics could be the difference between playoffs or an early tee time for the Minnesota Wild.

Minnesota Wild News Around the Web:

Explaining the Wild’s playoff position; Marco Scandella injured – Russo’s postgame blog.

Minnesota Wild: Koivu’s ability to play in Olympics in doubt – If Koivu’s to play in the Olympics, he’s got to be healthy first.

Hot seat? Wild should consider extension for Yeo – Patrick Reusse argues in favor of Wild head coach Mike Yeo. Who is this guy and what has he done with Ruesse?

Will Thomas Vanek & Ryan Miller Join Jason Pominville On The Minnesota Wild? – Okay, folks, it’s either one or the other–you can’t have both.

General NHL News:

Vanek rejects Islanders’ offer, trade could be next – More on the future Wild–er–current Isles winger. Subtle, I know.

Stamkos eyeing Saturday for return – Glad to see Stamkos make his way back. Thank goodness it wasn’t against Minnesota.

Have a great hump day, everyone!