The Wild are in search of offense which is expected to be a consistent theme until they can somehow create some chemistry established.
Joel Eriksson Ek and his line have been the best Wild trio all season and it appears that finally JEE is going to be given top the top six role he so rightfully deserves.
According to the Atheltic's, Michael Russo, Eriksson Ek is skating between Marcus Johansson and Karill Kaprizov tonight. Nico Sturm will step up to JEE's line between Jordan Greenway and Marcus Foligno.
Nick Bonino will center the fourth line moving Victor Rask to the left wing and Ryan Hartman on his right.
The top line stays intact with Nick Bjugstad centering Zach Parise and Kevin Fiala.
Fiala has been all over the ice creating numerous high percentage opportunities and it is just a matter of time before he starts to cash those near misses in. The production numbers are off but by no means is his game.
Kaprizov continues to dazzle and as he gains more NHL experience we are going tonsee even more of what he can do. Now that he will be teamed with Eriksson Ek we should see some greater continuity between his talent and his linemates.
Marcus Johansson has shown some signs, however he needs to step his compete level up. On Tuesday he displayed very little attention to detail overstating and losing pucks in open ice. That cannot happen and when it does there needs to be some fight to regain control. That is an area that Eriksson Ek is simply relentless in his puck pursuit. Hopefully that same desire and energy spills over to Johansson and sparks Kaprizov in the process.
Cam Talbot was back on the ice today but will not play as Kaapo Kahkonen will get the start once again. The Wild look to end their first losing streak of the season and turn the tide from Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to the Kings.
It's always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!