The Wild travel to Bid D to face off with the Stars in a what should be an epic Central Division match. Dallas and Nashville are battling for the two Western Conference wildcard spots with an eye on possibly catching the Blues and or Wild if either has a late season colapse.
The three prior meetings this season have all been lopsided victories with Dallas wining each of the last two by 6-3 and 7-4 margins while the Wild won the first matchup 7-2.
Gotta think tonight will be a tighter contest as both teams are playing better playoff type hockey and taking care of their own end with a structured approach.
Jordan Greenway is out and did not make the trip that wraps up with another Central tilt and potential playoff preview in St. Louis Saturday. Connor Dewar was recalled from Iowa and will go if Nicolas Deslauriers is unable to play.
Matt Dumba (last 3 games) and Jon Merrill (last six games) have been out of the Wild lineup and Jordie Benn has been forced back into a regular spot on the Wild blueline. Benn has been a good foot soldier for the Wild this season and has been ready to go when called upon.
Ryan Hartman has gotten a lot of press since the win over Edmonton when he came to quick aid of Kirill Kaprizov, challenging Evander Kane. Kane much as he has over his career crossed the line and Hartman flipped him off as the two jawed heading to the penalty box.
Hartman was subsequently fined for his gesture by the NHL, which promted scores of fans nationwide to venmo the Wild forward. Hartman is donating the money he has received to Children's Minnesota Hospital and his local legend status gains even more prowess.
Hartman is a class act and he has always done whatever it takes where ever he has played endearing himself to his teammates at every stop. The Wild are firtunate to have Hartman and his 29 goals have to be the most productive for a guy making $1.7M.
Playoff type game tonight in Big D, national TV audience will get a gem.
It's Always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!