The injury news took a turn for the worse with Mikko Koivu returning in to Minnesota and subsequently being placed on IR.

Nico Sturm was recalled from Iowa and could see his first NHL action this season as early as tonight. In another move Greg Pateryn was recalled from his rehab stint in Iowa and was placed on IR.

Carolina will present the Wild with most likely their toughest test of this trip, not that Florida and Tampa were easy opponents by any stretch. Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Terravainen don't get the press that they so deserve as NHL's elite offensive players they are. Combine their skill with a defense unit that is at or near the top of the league top to bottom. Jordan Staal and the supporting cast of forwards make the Hurricanes a tough opponent nightly.

For the Wild they will need to match the speed and attention to detail that Carolina brings. This will be the toughest test for the Wild without Jared Spurgeon and Mikko Koivu, arguably the two most reliable matchup options Bruce Boudreau has.

Injuries are an opportunity for others to step up and if Sturm does get a shot expetlct him to make an impact. Sturm has looked good in Iowa and is a player the Wild see as full time NHLer sooner rather than later.

Not sure which goaltender will be between the pipes tonight Stalock or Kahkonen, but if I had to guess I think the rookie gets another shot here off his strong perfomance in Florida Tuesday night.

Looking for the three game road trip sweep won't come easy as the Wild look to extend their season long five game win streak and 11 straight with points.

It's always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!

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