Some of the issues that looked fixed two days ago in a decisive win against the Dallas Stars were again troubling for the Colorado Avalanche in a loss to the Minnesota Wild.

The Wild are bringing Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon back from injuries as the NHL season reaches the home stretch.

With veteran defensemen Brock Faber, Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon all missing with various ailments and newcomer David Jiricek making his Wild debut, the back end was sure to be at least part

Without Kirill Kaprizov, Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon, Minnesota played a smart, poised and gutsy game, pulling away in the third for a 3-1 victory at Ball Arena.

The Minnesota Wild hosted the Colorado Avalanche for their first season meeting on Thursday evening, Jan. 9. The Wild were still without Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber, Jared Spurgeon, and Jakub Lauko.

The Minnesota Wild are on a two day break, as they prepare for their next game on Thursday versus the Utah Hockey Club. Recently, a roster that has been ravaged by injuries all season, has started to get healthier.

Yakov Trenin and Brock Faber scored goals 1:35 apart early in the third period, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 in Denver on Monday.

That's Wild Any time would be a good time for the Minnesota Wild to get star Kirill Kaprizov and captain Jared Spurgeon back from their absences due to injury, but as the duo makes their return to the ice for Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club,

Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes said he is "cautiously optimistic" that star forward Kirill Kaprizov and captain Jared Spurgeon will return to the lineup against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday.

The Colorado Avalanche (28-18-1) continue their homestand against the Minnesota Wild (27-15-4) in another matinee matchup at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:08 p.m. MT. READ MORE: How Will Jared Bednar Spend His Time During 4 Nations?

The Minnesota Wild are set to receive a huge boost in their upcoming game against the Utah Hockey Club. Following multiple weeks of absence due to injury, the W

Maple Leafs G Dennis Hildeby has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL). G Matt Murray has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). The Wild have activated forward Kirill Kaprizov and defenceman Jared Spurgeon off injured reserve and are expected to be in the lineup against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday.