DENVER – In grinding through the first half of the season amid steady subtraction because of injury, the Wild's depth took a hit.
So did its ability to roll out a balanced attack.
Both have begun to resurface now that the team has everyone available to compete, but a healthy lineup isn't the only reason why.
Contributions from the fourth line have also been a key to helping the team find some much-needed cohesiveness.
"As a fourth line, you can't just be satisfied keeping the other team off the scoresheet and be like, 'Hey, we had a good game. We didn't spend much time in our 'D' zone,' " winger Daniel Winnik said. "We gotta try and create scoring chances."
The Winnik-Matt Cullen-Marcus Foligno trio entered Saturday's game against the Avalanche having chipped in three goals over the previous two victories while combining for six points.
And this increased output hasn't come at the expense of the unit's play in its own end. All three players were not on the ice at the same time for a goal against in either game. Although the offensive help is necessary for the Wild to maximize its potential, not being a liability is imperative in remaining competitive.
"They've played pretty well, and you need the fourth line to be a positive effect on your team to be successful," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "They have been, and that's why we've won four of the last five."