Wild at Rangers
After erupting for seven goals in their last contest, the Minnesota Wild would welcome another power surge when they visit the New York Rangers on Monday. Minnesota has scored a total of seven goals in its two wins at Madison Square Garden while mustering just six in its five losses. The Wild surely weren't shy about finding the back of the net versus Tampa Bay on Saturday, with Jason Zucker recording his first career two-goal performance en route to the 7-2 victory.
New York is opening a four-game homestand after seeing its offense go limp with a 3-1 setback to Montreal on Saturday. Rick Nash (team-leading eight goals) was held off the scoresheet for just the second time this season, while Mats Zuccarello admittedly is flustered with his lack of production. "It's a little bit harder to sleep at night, I'm not gonna lie," the Norwegian said after failing to score a goal through eight games this season.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), MSG (New York)
ABOUT THE WILD (4-2-0): While Minnesota lit up the scoreboard in its last game, it continues to struggle on the power play. The Wild are 0-for-20 with the man advantage, joining Buffalo (0-for-30) as the only clubs in the league yet to tally on the power play. Minnesota can hang its hat on its penalty kill, which has thwarted all but one of 19 chances this season and faces a New York team that is just 2-for-22 with the man advantage.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (4-4-0): Carl Hagelin scored his second goal in three games on Saturday and also tallied in New York's 4-1 victory over Minnesota on Dec. 22. Captain Ryan McDonagh hasn't found the scoresheet in all but one game this season - a two-assist performance versus New Jersey on Tuesday - but has notched four assists in as many career meetings with Minnesota. Henrik Lundqvist is 3-3-0 versus the Wild, although Cam Talbot stopped 48-of-51 shots to split both contests last season.
OVERTIME
1. Zucker leads the team with four goals to match a career high, while he resides just one point shy of a personal best for a campaign.
2. After facing Minnesota, New York will continue its string against Central Division representatives when it hosts Winnipeg and St. Louis on Saturday and Nov. 3, respectively.
3. Wild LW Thomas Vanek has collected three assists without registering a shot in his last two games.