6:30 p.m. at Pittsburgh • NBCSN, 100.3-FM
Preview: With 23 points, the Wild has tied the franchise record for most points earned in a season's first 16 games. One point against the Penguins would mark the best 17-game point total in club history. The Wild has a 3-0-1 record over its past four games, tying its longest point streak of the season, while Pittsburgh is trending in the opposite direction. Players held a closed-door meeting after a 4-0 loss at New Jersey on Saturday, the team's second consecutive defeat, and coach Mike Johnston and players have criticized the Penguins' work ethic.
Players to watch: Wild F Mikko Koivu has at least one point in 13 of 16 games this season and leads the team with 15 points. … Wild D Jared Spurgeon is on a five-game point streak, matching the longest of his career, with one goal and five assists in that span. … Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury is among NHL leaders in goals-against average (2.01), save percentage (.931) and victories (eight).
Numbers: The Penguins' power play is ranked 29th of 30 NHL teams with only seven goals on 57 chances. Their 2.1 goals per game ranks 27th in the league. … The Wild is 3-0 against Eastern Conference teams this season.
Injuries: Wild F Zach Parise (sprained right MCL), F Justin Fontaine (sprained right MCL) and F Tyler Graovac (core muscle surgery) are out. Penguins F Bryan Rust (undisclosed) is out.
RACHEL BLOUNT
