If the Wild wins on Friday, it would extend its winning streak to 10 games, which would establish a new franchise record.
Minnesota tied the mark with an impressive 4-2 victory on Thursday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, dealing the Canadiens just their third regulation loss in 20 games on home ice this season.
"Tying is like kissing your sister. Getting it is the nice thing," said Wild coach Bruce Boudreau. "Our job is not done, and we're going to try our butts off tomorrow."
Eric Staal scored the game-winning goal on a short-handed tally early in the third period that broke a 2-2 tie after 40 minutes. Jason Zucker, who also had an assist in the game, added an empty netter in the final minute to provide the final margin.
Jordan Schroeder and Jared Spurgeon also had goals for Minnesota.
Schroeder was in the lineup because of the absence of Zach Parise, who was a late scratch because of illness. Boudreau said after the game Thursday that Parise will not play Friday, meaning Schroeder will again be in the lineup.
While Minnesota extended its winning streak to four games against Montreal, including each of the past two games at Bell Centre, the Wild will be looking to reverse a recent trend in Manhattan. Minnesota has lost seven of nine games at Madison Square Garden in franchise history, including each of the past three and five of the past six.
The Rangers are playing their ninth game in 15 days but have been off since a 7-2 loss in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. New York is 10-0-1 in games following a loss this season and 27-4-1 following a defeat dating to Dec.22 of last year.
Boudreau said he expects the Rangers to be cranky as well.
"After getting beat 7-2, [New York] is going to be chomping at the bit to get to us, so it should be another really good challenge for us," he said.
