Minnesota Wild vs. Detroit Red Wings: Preview and How to Watch

WINNIPEG, MB March 02: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) is congratulated by his team mates during the NHL game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Detroit Red Wings on March 02, 2018 at the Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg MB. (Photo by Terrence Lee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB March 02: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) is congratulated by his team mates during the NHL game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Detroit Red Wings on March 02, 2018 at the Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg MB. (Photo by Terrence Lee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Detroit Red Wings will close out the week against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night.

It has been a disappointing last few days for both the Wild and the Red Wings. Both sides have dropped two consecutive games and are feeling the effect in the wild card standings.

The Wild suffered a demoralizing 7-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night. They have slipped into the wild card standings as the Dallas Stars moved into third place in the Central Division. However, entering Sunday, the Wild have the opportunity to regain their third spot in the division.

As for the Red Wings, a 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets ruined their chance to reduce the gap on the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They come into Sunday night seven points off the pace as the Carolina Hurricanes sit in the final spot with 69 points.

In the first meeting between the Wild and Red Wings this season, the Wings came away with a 4-2 win in the first game the season. Anthony Mantha and Mike Green led the way with three and four points respectively in the victory.

Eric Staal leads the Wild in scoring with 64 points in 65 appearances. He also leads in goals scored with 33 goals.

The Red Wings leading scorer, Dylan Larkin, has not recorded a point in the last two games. However, their leading goal scorer, Mantha, scored against Winnipeg to get back on track.

Devan Dubnyk is the confirmed starter for the Wild. The netminder has a record of 27-12-5 and a 2.65 goals against average.

Jimmy Howard will be the likely starter for the Red Wings. He has started the last six games for the Wings. Jared Coreau has yet to make a start or be featured in a game since joining the team following Petr Mrazek’s trade.

For a list of the top five players to watch on Sunday night click here.

How to Watch

When: Sunday, March 3-7:00 p.m. (EST)

Where: Xcel Energy Center-St. Paul, Minnesota

How to Watch: NBCSN

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra