from Charley Walters of hte Pioneer Press,

While the Wild continue to make a gallant playoff run, the business part of the NHL team has been outstanding. Entering Saturday night's game against Carolina in St. Paul, the Wild had sold out each of their 27 home games.

But in order for the Wild to guarantee a profit this season, the team, which has invested $196 million in Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, probably will have to make the playoffs. Each home playoff game for the Wild could be worth nearly $2 million in profit. Three home playoff games could be worth about $6 million.

Playoff revenue isn't measured solely in ticket sales. It's also reflected in ticket resale for next season as well as corporate sponsorship increases.

It appears it will take at least 94 points to make the NHL playoffs. With 28 games left, including Saturday's game, the Wild had 61 points.

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