Preview: The Wild, which has lost two in a row, has won two in a row at home. This is the beginning of a key juncture in the Wild's schedule. Seven of its next nine games are against Northwest Division opponents. The Canucks have won three in a row and were 1-2 in St. Paul last year.

Players to watch: Wild C Kyle Brodziak has no points, 11 shots and is minus-6 in the past eight games. RW Dany Heatley has eight shots in his past six games (one goal, one assist) after 14 shots his first three games (three goals, one assist). LW Zach Parise is tied for seventh in the NHL with six goals, five on the road. ... Canucks F Henrik Sedin has 55 points in 68 games against the Wild. He is first all time with 46 assists and second in points against Minnesota. Brother Daniel Sedin is third all time with 52 points in 64 games.

Numbers: The Wild has scored 20 goals in nine games (2.22 goals per game, 26th in the NHL). ... The Canucks are 1-for-23 in their past five games on the power play and have killed off only 76.9 percent of power plays.

Injuries: Wild D Jared Spurgeon (foot) is out. Canucks C Ryan Kesler (shoulder, wrist) and RW David Booth (groin) are out.

MICHAEL RUSSO