Goalie Devan Dubnyk will handle the first game of the Wild's back-to-back this weekend, as he's slated to start Friday against the Canucks in Vancouver.
But it's unclear if the team will tab backup Alex Stalock to play Game No. 2 Saturday in Edmonton when the team wraps a quick two-game road trip against the Oilers.
"I'm taking it day to day," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "I'm not announcing anybody right now. Duby's been very good in Edmonton over the years. He's starting tonight, so we'll see how it works out."
Keeping the focus on the Canucks makes sense for the Wild, since the team is 0-1-1 against Vancouver this season. The team was blanked 1-0 Oct. 24 and then fell 3-2 in overtime to the Canucks Jan. 14 – both in Minnesota.
"The one thing about Vancouver is they work really hard and if you're not willing to outwork them, they're going to beat you," Boudreau said. "It's simple as that."
The Wild had the minimum number of forwards and defensemen with it in Vancouver but if an injury on defense pops up, the team would have Nick Seeler meet the team in Edmonton.
Seeler did not accompany the Wild to Vancouver, as he was dealing with a right biceps strain and the flu. But Boudreau said Seeler skated Friday and is feeling better.
"If we don't have to [call him up], Boudreau said, "it's great," Boudreau said. "He can skate again tomorrow morning."
Projected lineup:
Zach Parise-Mikko Koivu-Charlie Coyle
Jason Zucker-Eric Staal-Mikael Granlund
Nino Niederreiter-Joel Eriksson Ek-Tyler Ennis
Marcus Foligno-Matt Cullen-Daniel Winnik
Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon
Jonas Brodin-Matt Dumba
Gustav Olofsson-Nate Prosser
Devan Dubnyk
Key numbers:
2: Game-winning goals in the last two games for winger Zach Parise.
5: Straight games in which captain Mikko Koivu has tallied at least a point.
6: Points in the last six games for defenseman Jared Spurgeon.
4: Defeats for Vancouver in its last five games.
13: Goals for winger Daniel Sedin since Jan. 7.
About the Canucks:
The Canucks have struggled this year and are loitering near the bottom of the Western Conference as they head toward their third straight non-playoff finish. Rookie Brock Boeser has been a bright spot for the team, but he's sidelined with a small fracture in his back. Before getting hurt, Boeser scored 29 goals and racked up 55 points. Without him in the mix, Daniel Sedin is the offensive leader. He has 21 goals and 46 points.
