Wild vs. St. Louis gameday

Last update: October 31, 2007 - 10:58 PM

Preview: Since back-to-back victories over St. Louis and Colorado on Oct. 20-21, the Wild has posted an 0-3-1 mark. The team hasn't had a five-game winless streak since March 2004. The Blues, meanwhile, have gone 2-2-0 since that night. The Blues lost 2-1 to Phoenix on Tuesday but have not lost consecutive games this season. The Wild has won the past six games vs. St. Louis at Xcel Energy Center.

Players to watch: Both Pavol Demitra and Marian Gaborik (groin pulls in each case) are listed as probable. Demitra, a former Blues player, scored one of three goals for the Wild in St. Louis on Oct. 20 and has nine goals and 15 points in eight games vs. St. Louis. Gaborik has 26 points in 24 games against the Blues. For the Blues, Manny Legace is 8-4-0 with a 2.83 goals-against average vs. the Wild.

Numbers: The Blues have failed to score on 16 consecutive power plays. The Wild, meanwhile, has allowed a power-play goal in five consecutive games.

Injuries: Along with Gaborik and Demitra, goalie Niklas Backstrom (groin) is listed as probable. Defenseman Kim Johnsson (right leg contusion) is listed as questionable. Center Dominic Moore (abdominal strain) is listed as probable but has practiced only once since the injury. For the Blues, former Gophers defenseman Erik Johnson (right foot) has been cleared to play, but coach Andy Murray has yet to decide whether the rookie will play tonight.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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