Wild Face Pivotal Game Against Winnipeg Monday

The Minnesota Wild entered an extended break last week as the hottest team in hockey, but since returning to action the team has not been able to find a win.

The Wild returned from a four day layoff on Thursday and fell to the New York Rangers 3-2 at the X, then lost in a shootout to the Red Wings in St. Paul on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, the LA Kings and and Winnipeg Jets have earned wins and have closed the gap in the playoff race. Minnesota is currently in the top wild card spot in the Western Conference, four points ahead of the Jets and Kings.

Monday night the Wild host the Jets at Xcel Energy Center (7 PM, WJON) in the last regular season home game for Minnesota of the season. The Wild can clinch a playoff spot with a win and Los Angeles loss. A regulation loss would cut the Jets' deficit to just two points. The Kings are at Vancouver Monday.