Wild gameday

Last update: December 21, 2006 - 8:41 PM

Preview: The Wild is looking to end a seven-game road losing streak. Detroit is not an easy place to do it. The Red Wings, coming off a 5-0 victory over Columbus, are 10-3-3 at home this season, 7-3-0 overall in their past 10 games. This is the first of back-to-back games with the Red Wings, who will play at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday. The Wild will play at Detroit again Wednesday, ending the season series between the two teams.

Players to watch: Dominik Hasek, who was pulled after giving up three goals in one period in a 4-3 loss in Columbus Monday, made 27 saves in a 5-0 shutout of Columbus on Wednesday. It was his 73rd career shutout and his fifth this season. His last shutout came against the Wild in St. Paul on Dec. 1, when he needed to make only 20 saves in a 3-0 Wings victory. ... Age before beauty? Robert Lang, who turned 36 Tuesday, leads all Red Wings forwards with 26 points and a plus-18 rating. ... Wings defenseman Mathieu Schneider has a point in 11 consecutive games, two short of the Detroit record for defensemen. Wild goalie Manny Fernandez hasn't won on the road since Nov. 11.

Numbers: In his past three games, Wild center Mikko Koivu has won 53 percent of his draws (34 of 52). When the two teams play again Wednesday, the Wild will have faced Detroit in three of its past four games. The Wild is 3-6-1 all-time in games played in Detroit.

Injuries: Defenseman Petteri Nummelin (upper body) left practice early Thursday and might not play tonight. Wild coach Jacques Lemaire said a decision would be made after today's morning skate. If he cannot play, Kurtis Foster (larynx) would return to the lineup. For Detroit, forward Mikael Samuelsson (groin) is sidelined until next week. Winger Tomas Kopecky (collarbone) is out.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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