Wild Game Day number 16 Wild Record (10-3-2 22 pts) Road Record (3-2-2)
Opponent: Dallas Stars (13-4-0 26 pts) Home Record (6-2-0)
Site: American Airlines Center, Dallas Texas
Time: 7:00PM CT
TV: Fox Sports North (FSN)
Last Season Results: 11/1 Stars 1 @ Wild 4 11/15 Wild 2 @ Stars 1 11/28 Wild 5 @ Stars 4 (OT) 1/3 Wild 1 @ Stars 7 2/22 Stars 2 @ Wild 6
Tonight the Wild get their first look at the first place Dallas Stars. The Stars are off to a great start winning 13 of their first 17. Last season the Wild took 4 of the 5 games with the Stars including 2 out of the 3 in Dallas.
The Stars are clearly much improved over last season and can light the lamp better than any other team in the west. Led by Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn with 25 and 22 points respectively. John Klingberg has quickly established himself as a top tier NHL defenseman in just his second season. He has 17 points in 17 games, quarterbacks the Stars power play and can hit the outlet pass with the best of them.
The Wild have recalled Brett Bulmer from Iowa and have returned Christoph Bertschy. Bulmer the Wild's 2nd round pick in 2010, #39 overall, played 5 games with the Wild in 2013-14 but has not been back up since then. He is a 6'4", 212 lb right wing who brings a physical presence but with somewhat better hands.
Tonight will be another good test for the Wild as the Stars play a very fast game with a very active defense. They come at their opponents in waves and have quick strike ability. Antoine Roussel is one of the NHL's biggest pests combined with his skill he presents the Wild with the challenge of the game within a game.
Division Points on the line, the Stars are not invincible at home losing 2 of 8 already including Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tonight the Wild need to play their game, controlled and poised. Take the opportunities that the Stars give them, and make them count. The Stars are not the most sound defensive team so the Wild will have their opportunities for sure. The Wild have been very disciplined so far and tonight with Roussel they will face another test.
Let's Play Hockey!