Not only are the Wild the best team in the Western Conference, but they are in a ripe spot here. Minnesota catches Nashville coming off its bye week. Teams coming off their bye have yet to win in five games this month being outscored 25-8, including 21-3 through the first two periods.

The Predators are 20 points behind the Wild. They are 0-5 the past five times when playing on three or more days rest.

Minnesota has won 20 of its last 28 home games. The Wild have won eight of their last 11 games, but a home loss to the Ducks from two games ago to keep them from getting too cocky not to mention a home loss to the Predators on Jan. 22. So a strong Minnesota effort should be forthcoming against the obviously rusty Predators.