(Betting Express) - The Boston Bruins will try to rebound from their first loss in nearly a month when they welcome the Minnesota Wild for an interconference battle at TD Banknorth Garden.

The Bruins, who lead the Eastern Conference with 62 points, had won 10 straight games before dropping a decision to visiting Buffalo this past Saturday. It was Boston's first setback since losing at Washington on December 10.

Boston also had a 14-game home winning streak halted, suffering its first defeat at the Garden since losing to Toronto on October 23.

Matt Ellis scored two goals and added an assist to lead the Sabres to the 4-2 decision in Boston. Buffalo improved to 3-2-0 against the Bruins this season.

Phil Kessel and Shawn Thornton scored for the Bruins, who fell to 14-2-1 at home for the season. Tim Thomas turned aside 21 shots in defeat.

David Krejci was kept off the scoresheet for Boston and had his point streak halted at 10 games. However, Marc Savard notched an assist to record a point in his fifth straight game.

Tonight's test marks the third segment of a six-game homestand for the Bruins. The residency will continue Thursday evening against Ottawa.

The Wild, meanwhile, began a four-game road trip with a win in Colorado on Sunday. Owen Nolan tallied the only two goals of the game as Minnesota blanked the Avalanche, 2-0, at Pepsi Center.

Nolan has scored four goals in his last three games after recording five markers in his previous 17 contests this season.

Niklas Backstrom made 32 saves for his fourth shutout of the season for Minnesota, which has won two of three and snapped a six-game road losing streak.

The Wild are 8-9-0 away from St. Paul this year and will next make a stop in Philadelphia this Thursday before ending the swing Saturday in Columbus.

Minnesota has dominated the all-time series against the Bruins, winning seven of the eight meetings, including all four in Boston.