Game six of the seven-game homestand sees Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the high-flying Edmonton Oilers visit the XCEL Energy Center tonight.

We have seen some glimpses of a more complete Wild game over the last few contests and tonight it is a tough Western Conference battle that should be a measuring stick for the team as they strive to find consistency and climb the Central Division standings.

Jonas Brodin will be out of the lineup once again with a lower-body injury. Brodin's absence is a point of concern when facing the NHL's top offensive talent in McDavid and the entire defense corps will be called upon to step up to shoulder the load.

Ryan Reaves was afforded a few days to travel back to NY to collect his things and has been off the ice in that time. His foot speed is already a bit of an issue when facing off against the league's top talents while skating alongside Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno so we will have to wait and see if the big man gets into tonight's lineup or not. In today's skate, Jordan Greenway was back in his familiar place reforming the GREEF line so that may be the answer as to Reaves' availability tonight.

Greenway had clicked nicely with Matt Boldy of late so we can monitor how that plays out with Greenway back with JEE and Foligno at least for tonight's tilt.

Updates in Brandon Duhaime and Ryan Hartman both are skating and neither will join the club on their 4-game road trip. Duhaime is closer to returning than Hartman who is a ways off but hik skating is a good sign at the very least.

Andrej Sustr has been recalled and will travel with the team and be available should another defenseman go out of the Wild lineup.

Marco Rossi had a goal and two assists in his first game down with Iowa and hopefully this jump-starts his confidence in the offensive zone. He played well in the defensive zone and his puck possession was strong so getting some things going with the hands and having some extended success should do wonders for Rossi as he looks to get back to the big club and this time stay and contribute.

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

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