The Wild, who rallied with three straight third-period goals in a 6-4 win at the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, are 3-1-0 in their past four games after going 2-3-1 in their previous six. Minnesota has a League-leading 30 points since Nov. 14. The Islanders are 0-2-1 in their past three games after going 4-1-0 in their previous five games.
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Players to watch
Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has five points (three goals, two assists) in his past four games. Wild forward Eric Staal has 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in his past eight games.
They said it
"You get as much out as you put in and we haven't put enough in lately. In terms of our structure, commitment and even accountability to each other. We have a little cheat in our game. We're playing full and it's hard to be hungry when you're full." -- Islanders coach Barry Trotz "Every game is an individual game. …To me, we got to do it all the time. We (know) this week is going to be a very difficult week with the Islanders and (Toronto Maple) Leafs coming in. … (But) I do think that the guys never think they're out of it as this stage." -- Wild coach Bruce Boudreau
Koivu, who has not played since Dec. 3, practiced with the team for the first time but is not expected to return.
Stat pack
Lee has eight points (four goals, four assists) in his past eight games … Eberle has 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 30 games against Minnesota. …Minnesota is 13-4-4 in its past 21 games. … Parise has five points (one goal, four assists) in his past five games and 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in his past 16.
