With Ryan Hartman returning to the lineup after an eight-game suspension, Gaunce will be sent to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 30-year-old Gaunce is averaging 10:00 time-on-ice and has zero points in seven games this season.
Minnesota snapped a three-game losing skid on Sunday courtesy of a 28-save shutout by Gustavsson in a 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins, his fourth shutout of the season. The 26-year-old Gustavsson returns to the crease on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken, looking to build on his 2.61 GAA and .914 SV% through 40 games (23-13-3). Minnesota enters the action on Tuesday as +108 road underdogs against a Seattle squad coming off a 6-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
Hartman was originally issued a 10-game suspension for roughing Ottawa's Tim Stutzle, which was reduced to eight games, making him eligible to return tonight against the Seattle Kraken. The 30-year-old Hartman has four games remaining in his suspension. He is averaging 14:45 time-on-ice and has 17 points (7G / 10A) in 48 games this season.
Shore will be the odd-man out on Friday as the Wild opt to shake up their forward lineup. Brendan Gaunce will draw into the lineup in his place.
Gaunce will slot in for Devin Shore, who is a healthy scratch. Gaunce has played in five games this season and is yet to register a point.
The Wild will turn to Gustavsson between the pipes for the 39th time this season when they travel to Denver on Friday. Gustavsson had a rare off night in his last outing, allowing three goals on 16 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Red Wings on Tuesday. The 26-year-old netminder owns a 22-12-3 record and a .914 SV% on the season. Gustavsson will have his hands full on Friday as the Wild enter action at +265 on the money line.
Merrill will slot in for Zach Bogosian, who was a late scratch due to a lower-body injury. Merrill has one goal and three assists in 48 games this season.
Bogosian was a late scratch on Friday, with the Wild not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Jon Merrill will draw into the lineup in his place.
Minnesota's three-game winning streak snapped in a 3-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, and the team will switch to Fleury between the pipes on Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club. Fleury was solid in his most recent outing, a 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings when he saved 27 of 30 shots (.900 SV%). The 40-year-old netminder has a 2.58 GAA and .910 SV% in 20 appearances this season (12-6-1). Minnesota enters the action on Thursday as +161 road underdogs against a Utah team riding a two-game winning streak.
Oliver Wahlstrom will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Brazeau to re-enter the lineup. The 27-year-old Brazeau has already played a career-high 54 games this season, recording 20 points (10G / 10A) while averaging 13:04 time-on-ice.
