The San Jose Sharks and the Minnesota Wild meet for the first time this season. The Wild have gained a lot of momentum in a mid-season run. They have won four games in a row, including six of their last seven games games. The only loss has come against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks started the season 7-0, but have yet to win two straight games since.
The Sharks are coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the Edmonton Oilers. A come-from-behind win, it has given the team a bit of confidence going into Minnesota. They are currently eighth in the Western Conference. The team went 1-2-0 on a five-game road trip. The Western Conference is getting crowded with playoff worthy teams and the Sharks are just trying to hang on. Goalie Antti Niemi is struggling with a 3.55-goals-against average while going 2-3-1 in their last seven games. Logan Coulture is hot right now have scored twice against the Oilers. It was his second two-goal game in the past four games.
The Minnesota Wild are in the mix to win their division this season. The Wild have not been to the playoffs since 2007-08. They have 18 goals in their last four games and are 11 for 44 on the power play in their last 12 games. The went 8 for 58 on the power play in their first 17 games this season. Pierre-Marc Bouchard is helping with the team's winning efforts, having a goal and six assists in the last four games. Mikko Koivu has four goals with eight assists in his last 12 contests.
The Wild are 10-3 this season when playing at home. They will be playing without Mike Rupp who is out with a lower-body injury.