The Wild face the Penguins in Pittsburgh tonight and believe it or not it will be the first time that former Wild winger Jason Zucker faces his old mates. It was quite a while back that the trade was made sending Zucker to the Pens for Alex Galchenyuk, Calen Addison and the first round draft choice that turned into Carson Lambos.

Obviously the pandemic altered the schedule last season and the Wild and Penguins had completed their two games in the 2019-20 season prior to the trade. A lot has changed with the Wild roster since the Zucker trade and it has worked out much as expected thus far for both clubs.

The jury is still out on Addison and Lambos but both figure to be fixtures on the Wild blueline for years to come. Zucker is doing well as he is on a Penguins roster that is at a far different juncture and winning now is at the forefront.

That is not to say that the Wild are not in win mode too, their window is opening while it would appear the Penguins are closer to it closing.

Cam Talbot will get the start for the Wild and tomorrow's home tilt against the Islanders, the goalie has not yet been decided.

No Sidney Crosby tonight as he is in COVID-19 protocol as are Mats Zuccarello and Rem Pitlick still. Zuccarello and Pitlick are skating today in St. Paul, and may be able to return to the lineup tomorrow potentially.

Jordan Greenway is close to getting back on the ice and very good news on the prospect side, as Matt Boldy, who broke his ankle in the final preseason game, is skating.

The Wild have had some significant practice time since their win Tuesday night over Ottawa, and the special teams have had time to practice and foicus on what has not benn a good start to the season for both powerplay units and the penalty kill has been disastrous.

Let's hope the time off and re-focus will translate to the ice tonight and moving forward. Two very difficult opponents this weekend in the Penguins and Islanders and it is a opportunity for the Wild and their young stars to show they are ready to shine.

Kaprizov and Fiala led the way on Tuesday and their confidence level has to be at a high heading into tonight. Fiala really had the legs churning Tuesday and for him to be successful that has to be an every game detail.

Kaprizov must continue to use his skill and lower body strength to protect the puck as no one else does, but he must simplify the shot selection and get mmore pucks to the net, period.

It's always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!

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