Preview: The Wild has scored one goal in regulation in each of the past six games (2-4, wins coming via overtime and shootout). It is the second-lowest scoring team in the NHL at 1.92 goals per game. The Avalanche hasn't played since Monday and is 0-2-1 in its past three.
Players to watch: G Niklas Backstrom is expected to start for the Wild. He is 21-5-2 all time vs. the Avalanche with a 2.16 goals-against average, .928 save percentage and four shutouts. Wild RW Devin Setoguchi has two goals and an assist in the past three games. Avalanche RW Milan Hejduk is the all-time leader vs. the Wild with 12 power-play goals and is second with 21 goals.
Numbers: The Wild's power play is 3-for-26 (11.5 percent) the past eight games and is 8-for-50 (16 percent) this season. ... The Avalanche's power play is 8.1 percent and it ranks 27th in offense at 2.09 goals per game.
Injuries: Wild G Josh Harding (symptoms related to multiple sclerosis) is out. Avalanche F Steve Downie (knee), F Gabriel Landeskog (head), F Ryan Wilson (ankle) and D Erik Johnson (upper body) are out.
MICHAEL RUSSO
