Wild Wraparound: Minnesota keeps rolling with back-to-back victories over the weekend

It was a really solid weekend for the Minnesota Wild as they pulled off a pair of wins against the Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights. With the victories they run their points streak to four games, coinciding with their homestand that has one more game left to go. The wins are coming at an opportune time as some of the teams that had been ahead of them (cough, Utah, cough) have hit some struggles. The Wild now sit just percentage points behind Vegas for the second Wild Card spot as well as Winnipeg for the number three spot in the Central Division.

On Saturday, it was Jesper Wallstedt pitching his second straight shutout as he blanked the precocious Ducks 2-0 with 28 saves. Marcus Johansson (7) provided the only goal Wallsted needed, but Matt Boldy (10) provided some breathing room with an empty-netter to hit double digits on his goal total for the season. 

The Wild were right back on the ice on Sunday to take on the Golden Knights, and this time it was Kirill Kaprizov (11) providing the heroics as his overtime power play goal proved to be the difference. 

Filip Gustavsson made 23 saves in the victory while Joel Erikson Ek (3) and Yakov Trenin (1) provided the offense. The victory brought the Wild to a record of 5-1-1 in November and 9-7-4 overall through their first 20 games. The offense might still be scuffling a little bit, but they have tightened things up defensively. 

Team News

Who is on the Wild’s trade radar [The Athletic]

In their first mailbag of the season, beat writers Michael Russo and Joe Smith tackle a few topics, most importantly - who is Bill Guerin going to trade for?

Marco Rossi is week-to-week [Minnesota Star Tribune]

On Friday, Rossi went on injured reserve and per coach John Hynes, he is week-to-week. Will it lead to Guerin heading out onto the trade market? See the first link.

Wild recall Liam Ohgren, Tyler Pitlick [Minnesota Wild]

Rossi’s injury provided a path back to the NHL for Liam Ohgren. The prospect has been productive down in Iowa with three goals and two assists since his assignment. He appeared in both games for Minnesota over the weekend, skating on a line with Vinnie Hinostroza and Danila Yurov against Anaheim then with Hinostoza and Ben Jones against Vegas.

When grief and hockey are connected forever [Hockey Wilderness]

A poignant story of loss and hockey.

NHL News

Los Angeles Kings sign Adrian Kemp to long-term deal [Rink Royalty]

Another forward is set to join the $10 million per year club as the Kings wrap up their 29-year-old forward with an 8-year deal worth $10.625 per season. 

Nick Foligno to miss four weeks [TSN]

The Blackhawks captain blocked a shot with his hand in Chicago’s win over Toronto, and per head coach Jeff Blashill, is expected to miss about four weeks. 

Rangers/Red Wings finish game with animosity [Octopus Thrower]

Nothing like a good ol’ fashioned full team skirmish on the ice between Original Six teams to end a game. Jonathan Quick took exception to Mason Appleton firing a puck into an empty net after the final horn, and it touched off a big hugging party at center ice. Throwback hockey!

Minnesota Frost News

Minnesota Frost drop final pre-season game, 6-2 [Minnesota Frost]

Lee Stecklein and Abbey Hustler scored, but the New York Sirens poured on the offense in Minnesota’s final tune-up in the pre-season. Rosters are due Wednesday and the season will get started on Friday as the Frost take on the Toronto Scepters at Grand Casino Arena at 6:00 PM CST.