Preview: The Wild starts a stretch of 10 games in 17 days against the defending Stanley Cup champ that is one of three remaining teams unbeaten in regulation at home (6-0-1). Pittsburgh has a 6-0-1 point streak against the Wild and is 3-0 in its past three at home against Minnesota with a 16-5 goal advantage. After recording three consecutive shutouts, the Wild has scored once in two consecutive losses — its only games in the past 11 days.
Players to watch: Penguins C Sidney Crosby leads with eight goals and has 15 points in 11 all-time games against the Wild. RW Phil Kessel has a six-game home point streak. C Evgeni Malkin had two goals and two assists in a home game against Minnesota last season. G Marc-Andre Fleury us 19-3-2 in his past 24 at home. Wild G Devan Dubnyk has allowed three goals in his past five starts. C Eric Staal has 21 goals and 48 points in 49 games against Pittsburgh.
Numbers: The Penguins are 10-for-44 on the power play (22.7 percent), 8-for-25 at home (32 percent); the Wild is 29-for-31 on the penalty kill (.935). … The Penguins are 35-6-4 in their past 45 home games. … The Wild has allowed the second-fewest goals (22) in the NHL.
Injuries: Wild C Erik Haula (foot) is questionable. LW Zach Parise (foot), D Marco Scandella (ankle) and C Zac Dalpe (knee) are out. Penguins D Derrick Pouliot (lower body) is out.
Michael Russo
