After an enormous win last night in Calgary, the Wild have a quick turnaround today as the host Nashville. Today's game also marks the return of Mikael Granlund who will play his second game with the Predators. Granny had an assist in his Predators debut Friday night in a 5-3 loss at St. Louis.

Last night's 4-2 victory in Calgary illustrated just how different the new look Wild really are. There was a resilience and fight that has been a missing element in the Wild game.

Winning despite not having their MVP and emotional leader, Zach Parise, in the lineup cannot be overlooked. Combine that with the ever growing legend of Ryan Donato, who delivered the knockout punch with his second Wild goal and 7th point in his five Wild games played.

The old Wild had the approach that they would succeed by just going through the motions, because they were experienced and very familiar with each other. That left Bruce Boudreau with hands tied and the only way he could shake things up was to put the lineup into a blender and see what shook out.

The hole that Paul Fenton fired through the locker room sent the message that the Wild are moving forward with youth and speed as a premium.

Boudreau is one of the league's best coaches and given his new pieces he has also has a new found energy both behind the bench and in his public communications.

The Predators enter today's game having lost their last three and find themselves trailing the Winnipeg Jets by a point for the top spot in the Central Division. The Wild on the other hand come in with a five game win streak and a tremendous amount of confidence.

Of course the Wild played last night in Calgary and had to travel overnight, while the Predators were waiting in Minnesota. The circumstances are not ideal, but there is no excuses this time of year.

This is do or die time for the Wild, if they are going to make the playoffs they will have to dig deep and overcome the obstacles of the schedule makers and get the job done. Getting the two points last night was huge and now they need to find a way to get at least three points in the next two games with the Predators.

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

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