The 27-year-old forward has missed Minnesota's past four games with a lower-body injury since he last played in a 4-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 23. The Wild are 2-0-0 in those games, including a 5-3 win against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood left the Avalanche's Thursday game against the visiting Buffalo Sabres with an apparent right leg injury. Coach Jared Bednar said after the game that Wedgewood, an early-season acquisition as Colorado's goaltenders were struggling,

Thursday's victory was especially impressive; the Avalanche trailed 3-0 midway through the second period and 5-3 with under three minutes remaining in the final frame. Cale Makar and Jonathan Drouin scored late before Devon Toews sealed the comeback triumph in overtime.