The Minnesota Wild close out their five-game road trip tonight against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City, Utah, and they arrive with a chance to extend their season-best momentum. Minnesota has won its last two games and is trying to make it three straight for the first time this season, while also finishing the trip with a new winning streak.
The Wild enter at 8-3-2 with 18 points, which has them tied for first in the Western Conference and tied for third in the NHL. Utah is 8-4-0 with 16 points, and the two clubs sit atop the Central Division entering the matchup. Minnesota has already dropped the first two games of the road trip before winning the last two, so tonight is a chance to leave the trip on a high note.
Wallstedt gets the start
Jesper Wallstedt will start in goal for Minnesota. He brings a 7-2-2 record into the game, along with a 2.08 GAA and a.918 SV%. In 11 starts, Wallstedt has given the Wild steady results, and Minnesota will lean on that again in a matchup that could carry early-season division implications.
One reason the Wild have been able to turn things around on the trip is their work in the second period. In Seattle on Saturday night, Minnesota scored three goals and held the Kraken to one shot in the second period. That followed Sunday night’s win in Vancouver, where Bobby Brink scored his first goal of the season. Brink also scored against Utah in his last game against the Mammoth on March 10, giving Minnesota another familiar name with recent success in this matchup.
Recent history between these teams adds a little more weight to the night. The Wild and Mammoth are both off to strong starts, and Minnesota’s recent run has been built on a more complete game, especially after the first two losses on the trip. If the Wild can keep controlling the middle frame, they have a chance to leave Utah with their best streak of the season and another statement result against a division rival.
