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Goalie nods: After posting a shutout vs. Kings, Kuemper will make second straight start for Wild

Joonas Donskoi, Darcy Kuemper

Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper, right, blocks a shot next to San Jose Sharks’ Joonas Donskoi (27) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

AP

Devan Dubnyk played in 23 of Minnesota’s first 25 games this season, but he’ll take a back seat to Darcy Kuemper, again, on Saturday.

After Dubnyk dropped four straight decisions, Minnesota opted to start Kuemper against Los Angeles on Thursday.

Not only did Kuemper win, but he also blanked the Kings.

The victory put an end to Minnesota’s five-game losing streak.

“It just shows us we’re a good team,” Kuemper said after the win over the Kings. “It was just a tough stretch. We can beat everyone in this league. This is a big win for us.”

Instead of going back to his starter, coach Mike Yeo decided not to make any lineup changes ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game against the Sharks.

When asked why he’s played so well in California, here’s what Kuemper had to say:

The Sharks will go with Martin Jones.

Elsewhere...

--Cory Schneider will be between the pipes for the Devils. He’s won three straight games and he’s allowed just five goals during that span. The Jets will counter with Connor Hellebuyck.

--Ben Bishop starts for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the battle of the Sunshine State. The Panthers will turn to Roberto Luongo.

--John Gibson will start for Anaheim. He’ll look to build off his win over the Wild on Wednesday. The Red Wings have yet to confirm their starter, but Petr Mrazek played last night. Don’t be surprised if Jimmy Howard gets the nod.

--Mike Condon will look to end Montreal’s prolonged losing streak. The Maple Leafs will turn to James Reimer in this one.

--Joonas Korpisalo will be between the pipes for the Blue Jackets. Expect the Bruins to turn to start Tuukka Rask.

--The Avalanche haven’t named a starter yet for their matchup against Dallas. The Stars will turn to Antti Niemi. The 32-year-old has just one win in his last five contests.

--Jonathan Quick was the first goaltender off the ice during Los Angeles’ morning skate. The ‘Yotes will turn to Louis Domingue.

--The Predators have yet to name their starting goalie, but starter Pekka Rinne is coming off a solid performance against Winnipeg. The Oilers will turn to Cam Talbot.