GAMEDAY: Wild at Coyotes

The Minnesota Wild is changing things up as the team closes out a two-game road trip, tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes. After recalling forward Charlie Coyle from its minor league affiliate, the Houston Aeros, the Wild is mixing up the lines, looking for more chemistry offensively, and making roster moves. Earlier today, the Wild acquired Mike Rupp from the New York Rangers for forwards Darroll Powe and Nick Palmieri. Rupp will not be available for tonight’s game.

Coyle makes his NHL debut tonight and will skate on the wing with Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Matt Cullen, who will move back to center between the two. In 44 games in Houston, Coyle registered 24 points (14-10=24) including five power-play goals and 22 penalty minutes.

The Wild has moved Torrey Mitchell onto a line with Kyle Brodziak and Cal Clutterbuck. The club also moves Mikael Granlund and Devin Setoguchi down to its fourth line with Zenon Konopka. Granlund will move to left wing.

On Friday, the Wild suffered a 3-1 loss against Anaheim Ducks. The Wild jumped out to a first period lead, as Marco Scandella scored his first of the year. Matt Cullen picked up an assist on the play. Niklas Backstrom made 28 saves in the losing effort.

Saturday, the Coyotes topped the Dallas Stars on home ice, 2-0. Phoenix netminder Mike Smith stopped all 17 shots he saw -- and went 17 minutes without seeing one in the second period -- while Nick Johnson and Mikkel Boedker provided the offense, scoring goals for the Coyotes.

Last season, the Wild and Coyotes split the season series 2-2 with both teams winning each of their two road games.