Minnesota Wild vs. Florida Panthers: Game Preview

Good day, Wilderness!

Tonight, your Minnesota Wild do battle once again with the Florida Panthers in their last of 2 meetings with them this season.

In their last meeting a little over a month ago from now (October 19th to be exact), the Panthers got a win over the Wild 2-1 in a shootout. I said this in my Number earlier today, but the Wild shouldn't have lost that game.

Here are some important updates from both of these teams:

• Today, the Wild recalled goalie Johan Gustafsson from Iowa to back up Harding as Niklas Backstrom is now day-to-day with an upper body injury after that hard hit from Nazem Kadri in their game against the Maple Leafs 2 nights ago.
• Late last night, Panthers head coach Dale Tallon traded Kris Versteeg back to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for right-winger Jimmy Hayes and defenseman Dylan Olsen. Here's what Tallon had to say about them: "Jimmy is a young, strong, hardworking, versatile forward who brings both size and skill to our team. Dylan, a former first round draft pick, is a young, solid defenseman who adds further depth to our blue line. We thank Kris for his contributions to the Panthers, and wish him the best of luck in his return to Chicago".
• For Panthers rookie center Nick Bujugstad, this will be his first NHL game at Xcel Energy Center.