Gameday: Wild vs. Colorado

Last update: November 17, 2007 - 7:43 PM

Preview: Both teams are coming off a Friday night thumping -- Colorado at the hands of Dallas -- so both figure to be motivated. The Wild has lost eight of its past 11 games. In the tight Western Conference race, that means Minnesota is just one point away from being out of the playoff picture, while at the same time being just one point behind the Avalanche for first in the division. This is the fourth game between the two teams this season. Colorado has won twice, both at home.

Players to watch: Joe Sakic, Ryan Smith, Paul Stastny and Wojtek Wolski have all totaled four points vs. the Wild this season. For the Wild, leading scorer Pierre-Marc Bouchard has six points in his past five games. Wild defenseman Sean Hill is eligible to play today after having served his suspension.

Numbers: Both Brian Rolston and Eric Belanger have struggled of late, each a minus-5 in their last five games. Rolston has one assist in his last four. The Wild has allowed 13 power play goals on 59 chances, a dismal 77.9 percent kill rate.

Injuries: W Pavol Demitra (groin) is out, C Mikko Koivu (cracked left fibula) are out. W Mark Parrish (back) is probable and Derek Boogaard (elbow) will play. For the Avalanche, D Karlis Skrastins (shoulder), D Jordan Leopold and W Ian Laperriere (knee) are all out. W Brad Richardson is scheduled to play his first game of the season after a wrist injury.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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