Niederreiter, the fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft, got a look on the right side with checking-line forwards Matt Cooke and Kyle Brodziak. If Jason Zucker and Charlie Coyle wind up as Dany Heatley’s linemates, Niederreiter had to show the Wild brass that he can play a third-line role if he has any shot to make the team.
Niederreiter, known more for his scoring, had five hits, often came away from board battles with the puck and is getting stronger without the puck every game, coach Mike Yeo said.
