Wild looks to atone for recent defeats in Denver

ST. PAUL --The last two games against the Colorado Avalanche have not been pleasant experiences for the Wild.
But with the final game against Colorado during the regular season on the horizon Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center, Minnesota will try and get a bit of redemption against its Central Division rival.
"Whether we think we owe them or not, we know we need to win," said Wild coach Bruce Boudreau. "It wouldn't matter if a team had beaten us by 30 goals each game, if there's an opponent in front of you, at this stage of the year, you gotta just come out and play."

Colorado hasn't won by 30, but it did win the last matchup by a 7-1 margin on March 2. The time before that, on Jan. 6, it was 7-2.
But both of those games came in Denver, where the Avs have built a substantial home-ice advantage this season (24-8-2). The game Tuesday comes in St. Paul, where Minnesota has been outstanding (24-5-6). The 54 points on home ice is tied for most in the NHL this season.
The Wild has scored more than three goals in nearly 63 percent of its games at Xcel Energy Center this season, while also boasting the stingiest defense on home ice.
It's a combination that has yielded a 21-2-5 record at home since Nov. 14, best in the League during that span.
Even with those results at home, it's the two trips to Denver that could serve as extra motivation for Tuesday.
"I think it's in the back of your mind for sure, they spanked us pretty good twice in their barn," said Wild forward Eric Staal. "We know where we're at in the standings and you gotta put your best foot forward every night because of how tight our division is and how important the games are.
"The big picture, most important thing is the two points, regardless of who we're playing against. But there's a little extra in there because of how we've played the last two games against them in Colorado."

Seeler practices with team

For the first time in more than a week, Nick Seeler was on the ice with teammates for a practice.
The rookie defenseman, who sustained a biceps injury in a tussle against the Detroit Red Wings on March 4, sat out practice last week prior to game against the Carolina Hurricanes and then missed road trip to Vancouver and Edmonton because of an illness.
Seeler skated on his own the past few days, so conditioning shouldn't be an issue. He's expected to be available for the game against the Avs, but Boudreau wasn't sure if he'll decide to put him back in.
"We're going to talk about it and see how he feels," Boudreau said. "He's been skating all week here but this is the first time he's practiced with a group of guys."

Parise, Cullen attend to personal matters

The Wild was without forwards Matt Cullen and Zach Parise on Monday, but their absences were excused: each was attending the funeral of a mutual friend.
Both players are expected to play Tuesday.
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