Wild gameday

7 P.M. VS. CHICAGO • xcel • fSN (100.3-FM)

Preview: The Wild and Montreal are the only teams undefeated at home; both are 4-0. The Wild never has started a season with five consecutive regulation victories at home. The Blackhawks are on a four-game winning streak but averaged only 2.1 goals over their first nine games, the NHL's fifth-lowest output.

Players to watch: Chicago G Scott Darling is expected to start against the Wild. Corey Crawford's backup has played two games, going 1-1 and allowing five goals on 53 shots. Wild D Ryan Suter has 30 points in 57 career games against the Blackhawks, his highest point total against any team.

Numbers: Wild C Mikko Koivu is on a seven-game point streak. He has four goals and three assists in that span. Chicago F Patrick Kane has 11 goals and 16 assists in 31 games against the Wild.

RACHEL BLOUNT