Gameday: Wild at Phoenix

Last update: October 13, 2007 - 10:28 AM

Preview: After opening the season with a 3-0 homestand, the Wild plays its next four on the road, including a three-game trip out west with the players' mothers tagging along for some sun and shopping. Oh, and talking: "A lot of noise," coach Jacques Lemaire quipped after the team's flight to Phoenix. This is the first of back-to-back games; the Wild plays at Anaheim on Sunday. The Wild took three of four games from Phoenix last season.

Players to watch: G Niklas Backstrom was 3-0 against the Coyotes with two shutouts and .977 save percentage, but Lemaire won't say whether Backstrom or Josh Harding will start. D Brent Burns' six goals since March 11 are the most of any NHL defenseman. He's scored consecutive winning goals and has four winners since March 11, tied for the most in the NHL. LW Pavol Demitra has scored 35 points in 39 games vs. Phoenix, while C Wes Walz has 22 points in 29 games. Coyotes captain Shane Doan has nine goals and 13 points in 23 games vs. the Wild.

Numbers: The Wild has allowed two goals in three games, none at even strength. ... After scoring 14 power-play goals in seven preseason games, the Wild has none in three games.

Injuries: For the Coyotes, D Zbynek Michalek (broken hand) and LW Josh Gratton (broken finger) are out. Wild C Dominic Moore (abdominal strain) is out.

Note: Though there is no local TV, the game is on HDNet for viewers with high definition television.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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