Wild's "A-line" gets an A+

Minnesota Wild head coach Jacques Lemaire is known for shaking up his lines. But something tells me he'll keep his hook away from the trio of Andrew Brunette, Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen for the time being.

The three forwards took charge Thursday night Down South with forwards Marion Gabork, Owen Nolan and Pierre-Marc Bouchard nursing injuries, and the Wild shut down the Florida Panthers 6-2 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

Koivu put on quite a display himself, tying a team record for assists with four and also notching a goal. Miettinen found the net twice for the second game in this young season. Brunette also tallied a goal and an assist.

Never at loss for words, Lemaire praised his top line. "It's fun to see because, let's say, it makes it a little easier for me," he told the Star Tribune. "It's one line that plays together that you guys won't say I'm breaking the line again. They're carrying a lot right now."

If anyone worried that this team couldn't score with the subtraction of Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston, their nerves should be calmed. The Wild has given every reason to suspect this team will be competitive in the Northwest Division this season.

On tap: The Wild (3-0-0) finish their Southeast roadtrip Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning (0-2-2), who, surprisingly, are still searching for their first win. The game is on Channel 45 and WCCO 830 AM at 6:30 p.m.