wild/nhl

Preview: The Oilers lost for the first time in three games Monday, 4-2 to Detroit in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated. The Wild (2-0) is looking to stay undefeated. Minnesota has won six of eight games between the two teams the past two seasons, three via shutout.

Players to watch: Both Wild goalies were effective vs. the Oilers last year. Niklas Backstrom was 4-0-0 with two shutouts and a 0.5 goals-against average, and Josh Harding had a 30-save shutout at Edmonton in his only game vs. the Oilers. Marian Gaborik led the Wild with 11 points (including seven goals) vs. Edmonton. He has 30 points in 35 career games against the Oilers. D Nick Schultz's wife, Jessica, gave birth to a son, Jake Douglas, at 12:11 a.m. Tuesday. Dad was back at practice Tuesday and will play. Geoff Sanderson leads Edmonton in career scoring vs. the Wild with 20 points in 15 games.

Numbers: Ten of the 37 games between these teams have gone to overtime. ... Gaborik had seven shots in the Wild's victory over Columbus on Saturday, but has yet to notch his first goal.

Injuries: Wild D Kurtis Foster (groin) practiced for the second consecutive day and should be available tonight. C Wes Walz (knee) returned to practice Tuesday and should be available. Dominic Moore left practice early because of an abdominal strain and is listed as day-to-day, possibly opening the door for James Sheppard's NHL debut. For Edmonton, LW Ethan Moreau (foot) and D Mathieu Roy (neck) are out; D Dick Tarnstrom missed Monday's game because of a charley horse, but practiced Tuesday.

MICHAEL RUSSO