Wild gameday

Last update: March 3, 2007 - 7:22 PM

Preview: A regulation victory by either team means the top spot in the Northwest Division and No. 3 seed in the Western Conference -- at least temporarily. The Canucks are 7-1-1 in their past nine (every win by one goal); the Wild is 10-2-2 in its past 14. This is the seventh of eight meetings, with the Wild holding a 4-1-1 advantage.

Players to watch: LW Brian Rolston has four goals and eight points against Vancouver this season, and RW Branko Radivojevic has scored four goals as well. LW Pavol Demitra has 43 points in 34 games vs. the Canucks. LW Markus Naslund has 25 points in 32 games against the Wild, while the Sedin Bros., Daniel and Henrik, have 39 points against the Wild. G Roberto Luongo is 3-7-2 with a 3.02 goals-against average against the Wild.

Numbers: Marian Gaborik and Demitra have 40 points in their past 14 games. ... Fifteen of Gaborik's 22 goals and 22 of his 36 points have come on the road. ... Vancouver is tied with New Jersey for first with 25 one-goal wins (the Wild has 20). ... Vancouver, which has the top-ranked penalty kill, has surrendered eight power-play goals in the past six games.

Injuries: Wild LW Mark Parrish (upper body) is doubtful, as is G Manny Fernandez (knee). G Niklas Backstrom (groin) will dress and might start. Vancouver F Josh Green (knee) and F Ryan Kesler (hip) are out.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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