Johansson had two assists, and Tyler Pitlick and Ryan Hartman scored for the Wild (18-9-5), who have won three straight and are 9-0-2 in their past 11 home games. Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves.

Does Hughes slot in as a partner to likely Team USA teammate Brock Faber? What does that mean for the rest of the Minnesota lineup?

Last season Jiricek suffered a spleen injury that ended his season early. The MN Wild envisioned a scenario in which they improved upon Jiricek’s skating and got him to a place where he could be a top contributor on the ice.

The Wild have become one of the toughest teams to play against, gaining points and climbing up the standings. The Wild have earned 30 standings points since Nov. 1, a number topped only by the Avalanche and Stars, each of whom has earned 33. Amazingly, each of the three teams sit in the loaded Central Division.

Marcus Johansson scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and the Wild took down another one of the NHL’s top teams despite missing five regulars.

Brodin's absence creates another defensive gap as the Wild face the Senators, adding to the team's mounting injury concerns.

"We all play hockey, and we know it might happen. But I'm really happy for everything Minnesota has done for me," Rossi said.