The Minnesota Wild are grappling with offensive struggles as they edge closer to the playoff picture, significantly affected by the absence of key players Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Their recent performance has seen them score an average of just 2.1 goals per game, highlighting the uphill battle they face to reach the crucial three-goal mark, often needed for victory. With only seven games remaining, the team's mentality is to stay positive and maintain relentless pressure, as evidenced in their recent shootout loss against the New Jersey Devils.

Despite their difficulties in scoring at even strength—averaging 1.5 goals without power plays—the Wild have shown resilience on the defensive end, buoyed by players like Jonas Brodin and solid goaltending from Filip Gustavsson. Players like Matt Boldy and Marcus Foligno have embodied the team's 'head down and keep working' ethos, crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the season while hoping for a playoff berth.

Injuries have been a significant hurdle for the Minnesota Wild, yet their resilience shines as they strive for playoff contention. The return of star players Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek to practice offers renewed hope for the team's playoff dreams. Despite a recent 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals, the Wild have struggled to capitalize on home ice, with earlier losses to teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues dampening spirits.

The Wild's lineup has been heavily impacted by injuries, with only a handful of players participating in every game this season. The defensive pillar, Jonas Brodin, has made a comeback, but the team has had to navigate through significant absences. If Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek can return to form, there’s a belief they can upset higher seeds in the postseason, marking a promising end to a tumultuous season.

Andrei Svechnikov is making a promising return for the Carolina Hurricanes after missing three games due to an upper-body injury. Coach Rod Brind'Amour indicated that Svechnikov practiced yesterday and could potentially play on Thursday, highlighting that his participation in practice is a positive sign.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche has also made progress, participating fully in practice for the first time. This is an encouraging development as he continues to recover, with plans to travel with the team and skate during their upcoming road games. In contrast, the Avalanche are awaiting further evaluations on Josh Manson’s injury, while the Minnesota Wild deal with day-to-day updates on several players including Jonas Brodin, Kirill Kaprizov, and Joel Eriksson Ek.

Vinnie Hinostroza has embraced the playoff race after being claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Wild. He expressed the excitement of being part of a competitive team, especially after a series of stints with franchises that are either defunct or out of the playoff picture. In his first eight games with the Wild, he notably scored four goals, marking a significant contribution as he approaches the 400-game milestone in his career.

Meanwhile, Jonas Brodin remains sidelined due to a lower body injury, missing 28 games this season. Despite not playing, he has skated with the team, showing positive signs in his recovery. Wild's coach John Hynes noted the importance of observing Brodin's progress as he tries to return to the lineup.

Injury issues continue to plague several NHL teams as the season progresses. Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov skipped practice, while defenseman Dmitry Orlov took to the ice. The Columbus Blue Jackets are dealing with the absence of Jake Christiansen due to an upper-body injury, sidelining him for the next game. The Dallas Stars are hopeful for Roope Hintz's return this Sunday after a puck-related facial injury. Edmonton Oilers forward Mattias Janmark missed a game due to illness.

In Minnesota, the Wild's Jonas Brodin returned to practice after a long absence but remains week-to-week. Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are also still out with injuries. The New Jersey Devils are bracing for the long-term absences of Dougie Hamilton and Jack Hughes, potentially impacting their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are monitoring Brady Tkachuk's hip concern closely as he aims to return on Saturday.