Total points: 15
Last week: No. 14
Reason for optimism:They are in a playoff spot with a bit of room. Even though the Wild have lost three in a row, two have come after regulation, so they're picking up points. They're 4-2-2 in their past eight games, and that's given them a four-point cushion in the Western Conference wild card race.
Biggest need:Center depth. Mikko Koivu's season-ending knee injury is a massive blow, and they'll need to find a replacement for him to allow them to contend beyond just making the playoffs this season. Koivu was injured in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.
Others receiving points:Buffalo Sabres 8, Philadelphia Flyers 8, St. Louis Blues 2, Vancouver Canucks 1
Dropped out: Buffalo Sabres (No. 15), Colorado Avalanche (No. 16)