If anyone had any doubt over who would be the Wild's #1 goaltender in the playoffs, they get their answer tonight.

Filip Gustavsson gets the call for the biggest game of the season to date, with the Wild visiting the Avalanche in a battle for first place in the Central Division.

It has been specualted that "Gus" would be the one and of course their is no confirmation to signify this is the case, but with what is on the line tonight, it is clear.

The Wild enter tonight's tilt with a one point lead over the Avalanche with Colorado having played one less game to date. Eight games left for the Wild and a chance to open up a lead on Colorado with a regulation win.

Tonight the Wild will go with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen with the possibility that Alex Goligoski shifts in on the wing some shifts. Sam Stell gets back into the lineup with Freddy Gaudreau and Oscar Sundqvist. John Klingberg makes his return to the lineup and will skate with Jon Merrill.

Barndon Duhaime is out (sick) and no Ryan Reaves tonight either for the Wild.

Kirill Kaprizov will skate later this week for the first time, which is welcomed news for the Wild faithful to say the least. Gustav Nyquist is with the team on the trip to practice so he is getting closer, but no return date has been set.

Gonna be a fun one tonight as the Central's best go head to head in Ball Arena.

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

Join the Discussion: » 7 Comments » Post New Comment

» Walker Up, Goligoski On LTIR

» Wild Look To Tighten Up The D Zone

» New Season Of Hope For Wild

» Kirill Gets The "A"

» Zuccarello Extended For 2 Years