Panthers at Wild
After completing a perfect four-game homestand, the Florida Panthers attempt to extend their overall winning streak to six as they begin a five-game road trip Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild. Florida made it five victories in a row on Saturday, when it completed its string at BB&T Center with a 2-0 triumph over Montreal.
Connor Brickley scored one goal and set up another while James Reimer made 38 saves en route to his second shutout in three games as he made his 11th consecutive start for the Panthers, who allowed a total of four goals during the homestand. Minnesota aims for its third straight home win as it begins a stretch during which it plays seven of nine at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild, who have gone 9-1-1 in their last 11 at home, are coming off their second straight shutout loss on the road - a 3-0 setback at Nashville on Saturday. Minnesota is looking to avenge a 4-2 defeat in Florida on Dec. 22 in which the Panthers erased a 2-1 deficit with three third-period goals, including a pair by Jonathan Huberdeau.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Florida, FSN North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (17-16-5): Brickley's two-point performance on Saturday was his third of the season and first since Oct. 26 against Anaheim. The 25-year-old forward has scored the winning goal twice during Florida's winning streak, including the previous meeting with Minnesota. Vincent Trocheck, who tops the club with 15 goals and shares the lead with 36 points, is two assists away from 100 for his career.
ABOUT THE WILD (20-16-3): Minnesota continues to regain its health as Devan Dubnyk (lower body) returned to action Friday while Nino Niederreiter and Zach Parise hope to get back into the lineup this week. Niederreiter has not played since the previous game against Florida due to a foot ailment and Parise has yet to make his season debut due to a back injury that required surgery. Jason Zucker is tied for the team lead with 15 goals but has scored just once in his last 11 games.
OVERTIME
1. Wild C Matt Cullen needs three points to reach 700 for his career while D Matt Dumba is one shy of 100.
2. Ten different players have scored a game-winning goal for Florida but none have recorded more than two.
3. Minnesota RW Mikael Granlund recorded four goals and an assist in his previous two games before the team was blanked in Nashville.