After a lethargic 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, it looks like the Wild will get a spark Friday when their star forward likely makes his return from injury.
Zach Parise has missed the past eight games because of a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, but he appears set to return to the Wild's lineup Friday for the first time since suffering the injury in a Nov. 5 game.
"Hopefully," Parise said when asked if he'll play against the Winnipeg Jets.
The Wild have gone 4-3-1 in their eight games without Parise this season, but the latest loss Wednesday may have added urgency to Parise's timetable.