Wild gameday

Last update: October 27, 2007 - 7:01 PM

Preview: The Wild, 2-1-2 in its past five and 4-13-2 all-time in the regular season at Colorado, has allowed 10 goals in the past two games, or one fewer than it allowed in the first eight of the season. It's only the third time in franchise history the Wild has allowed 10 goals in consecutive games (11 twice before). The Avs are coming off a 2-2 road trip, including a 3-2 loss at Minnesota last Sunday.

Players to watch: Wild LW's Brian Rolston and Mark Parrish have scored a goal in each of their past three games. In his past two games, rookie C James Sheppard has posted his first NHL assist and first NHL goal. RW Cal Clutterbuck, 19, will make his NHL debut today. G Josh Harding will start; he made 30 saves in a 2-1 loss in his only start last season against Colorado. ... Avs C Joe Sakic has 31 points in 35 games against the Wild. Ex-Wild F Andrew Brunette has six goals and 14 points in 18 games vs. Minnesota.

Numbers: Avs coach Joel Quenneville became the 22nd coach to record 400 victories with Friday's overtime win at Calgary. ... Sakic became the eighth player in NHL history to amass 1,600 points when he scored two against Calgary. ... The Wild is 6-for-6 in killing off 5-on-3's.

Injuries: Avalanche D Jordan Leopold (wrist), RW Milan Hejduk (back), D Karlis Skrastins (shoulder) and RW Brad Richardson (wrist) are out. Wild RW Marian Gaborik (groin), G Niklas Backstrom (groin), LW Pavol Demitra (groin) and C Dominic Moore (abdominal strain) are out.

MICHAEL RUSSO

Recent Minnesota Wild stories

'Good probability' Ovechkin will return Tuesday after 6-game absence for Capitals vs Rangers - October 27, 2007

'Good probability' Ovechkin will return Tuesday after 6-game absence for Capitals vs Rangers - Two-time reigning league MVP Alex Ovechkin appears set to return from his injury layoff when the Washington Capitals visit the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. More