Preview: Wild vs. Nashville

Last update: February 17, 2007 - 9:14 AM

Preview: Two days after being traded to the NHL's top team, C Peter Forsberg will make his debut in front of an expected sellout crowd. The Wild has won two of three meetings with the Predators, including a 7-6 shootout win Nov. 16 for only its second victory in 11 games at Nashville. In that game, the Wild rallied to win from three goals down for the first time.

Players to watch: Forsberg will be a good start. The two-time Stanley Cup winner, two-time Olympic gold medalist, former MVP and scoring champ will give the high-octane Predators a daunting look. As coach Jacques Lemaire said, "Let's bet they'll have the puck more than we do." F Steve Sullivan has destroyed the Wild this season, scoring eight points in three games. G Tomas Vokoun, 6-3-3 all-time vs. Wild with a 2.09 goals-against average, will start. Wild G Niklas Backstrom is 2-0 against Nashville with a 2.53 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. F's Pavol Demitra and Mikko Koivu have six points each against the Predators this season. Demitra has a seven-game point streak.

Numbers: Nine of Gaborik's 17 goals have tied games or given the Wild a lead. ... The Predators have the most goals in the West, 201 before their game Friday in St. Louis, so as Lemaire says, "Imagine with [Forsberg]".

Injuries: Lemaire told D Kim Johnsson to leave the ice early in Friday's practice because of a lingering "lower body" injury. He's questionable. G Manny Fernandez (knee) is out. Nashville F Jordan Tootoo (hip) is out.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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