Wild vs. Edmonton gameday

Last update: November 4, 2007 - 7:24 PM

Preview: The teams have split two games this season, each winning at home, the Oilers by shootout. Minnesota has won the past four meetings at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild broke a five-game winless streak Saturday while the Oilers have lost two in a row and three of their past four.

Players to watch: Niklas Backstrom is 5-0-0 vs. the Oilers with three shutouts, a 0.40 goals-against average and a .982 save percentage. Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Pavol Demitra, Marian Gaborik and Mikko Koivu all have two points vs. the Oilers this season. Oilers goaltender Dwayne Roloson is 1-1-0 vs. the Wild -- his former team -- this season and 4-7-1 lifetime vs. Minnesota.

Numbers: The Oilers' next eight games are against Northwest Division foes, against which they are 1-5 this season. Why? They are 29th in the league in goals scored per game, 26th in goals allowed per game and in goals allowed, 30th on the power play.

Injuries: For the Wild, Gaborik was given the day off from practice but is not hurt. Demitra, who was injured Saturday, has a groin strain. The team has not announced a timetable for his return but has not ruled out tonight. If he doesn't play, rookie Benoit Pouliot would likely play. For the Oilers, D Matt Greene (broken ankle), D Sheldon Souray (shoulder separation), D Joni Pitkanen (knee surgery), D Mathieu Roy (shoulder separation), LW Ethan Moreau (broken foot) and RW Fernando Pisani (colitis) are out.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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