The Minnesota Wild are desperate for victories with eight games left in their quest for a Western Conference wild-card spot, and they won’t come easy with each one of the contests remaining against a team currently holding down a playoff spot. The Wild begin a stretch of four road games in five outings Friday night when they visit the Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals.

The San Jose Sharks continue to watch their chances for a division title slip away as they've lost four straight contests following a month-opening six-game winning streak. San Jose attempts to halt the slide when they visit the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.