The race for eighth
The Wild improved to 7-1-1 in its past nine games on Tuesday night, while the Colorado Avalanche lost at St. Louis 3-1 for its third defeat in its past four games.
Points: Wild 87, Colorado 82
Record: Wild 38-28-11; Colorado 39-34-4
Games remaining: Five each
Games vs. teams in playoff spot: Wild 1; Colorado5
Wild schedule (3H, 2A): Home vs. Ottawa, San Jose, Calgary. At Detroit, Winnipeg.
Colorado schedule (3H, 2A): Home vs. Washington, at St. Louis, Anaheim. At Dallas, Nashville.