SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Interstat) — A crucial Western Conference matchup awaits Tuesday night when the Utah Mammoth visit the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. The Wild (37-27-0) enter with a slight edge in the standings over the Mammoth (34-29-0), adding playoff implications to a rivalry where Utah has dominated recent meetings. The Mammoth have won both contests this season, including a 5-2 victory in Saint Paul on Oct. 25 and a 5-2 win at home on Feb. 27. Utah arrives riding a wave of momentum, having won three of its last four games, including a 5-4 overtime victory at Columbus on Saturday. Center Logan Cooley was the catalyst in that win, scoring two goals on five shots. He has three goals in his last four games and will be a focal point for the Utah attack. Minnesota looks to stabilize after a 3-2 shootout loss in Colorado on Sunday snapped a two-game win streak. The Wild have been strong at home lately, however, winning four of their last five at Grand Casino Arena. Center Nico Sturm, who scored against the Avalanche, will be counted on to help counter Utah’s momentum. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, this contest is projected to be a tight one, with a predicted final score of Minnesota 4, Utah 3. The matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions recently. Utah has found its offensive form, averaging 4.25 goals per game over its last four outings. Minnesota’s defense, which allowed five goals to Utah last month, will be tested. The Wild’s ability to contain Cooley and Utah’s top line, and to convert on their own chances against a Mammoth team playing its third road game in five nights, will likely decide the outcome. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT Tuesday. The Wild begin a three-game homestand, while the Mammoth return home to face Chicago on Thursday.