8 p.m. vs. Tampa Bay • FSN, 100.3-FM

Front-runner awaits after break

Preview: The Wild resumes action after its five-day mandatory break by hosting the NHL-leading Lightning. Before taking a timeout, the Wild had been in a groove — going 2-0-2 in its previous four games and 4-1-2 in its past seven. This is the Lightning's second game back since it took its bye week. It fell 4-1 to the Golden Knights in its return Thursday, the team's second straight loss.

Players to watch: Winger Nikita Kucherov has a team-best 27 goals and 61 points. Captain Steven Stamkos has 12 goals on the power play. Seven of center Brayden Point's 17 goals have been game-winners.

Numbers: The Wild is 4-3-1 in its past eight meetings with the Lightning. Center Eric Staal has 70 points in 70 games against Tampa Bay. The Lightning has yet to lose three in a row this season. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has surrendered 19 goals in his past four games.

Injuries: Wild F Nino Niederreiter (lower-body injury) is out. Lightning D Victor Hedman (lower-body injury) and G Peter Buadj (lower-body injury) are also out, while D Dan Girardi (upper-body injury) is day-to-day.

SARAH MCLELLAN