Wild vs. Columbus gameday

Last update: December 7, 2007 - 8:19 PM

Preview: Remarkably, the Wild is 1-7-3 all-time at expansion-counterpart Columbus, its worst record in any visiting arena. Minnesota's only victory at Columbus came Jan. 18, 2002. Since then, the Wild is 0-6-3 there, having scored only 13 times (three shutouts). The Blue Jackets, who have won two of three, have split two games with the Wild this season, beating Minnesota 4-0 in St. Paul on Nov. 23.

Players to watch: G Niklas Backstrom is expected to start for Minnesota. He's won four of his past five and is 1-1 in three starts vs. Columbus with a 3.43 goals-against average and .867 save percentage. C Pavol Demitra has 31 points in 27 games vs. the Blue Jackets, while LW Brian Rolston has 17 points in 15 games vs. them and RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard has 15 points in 16 games vs. them. Blue Jackets C Sergei Fedorov has 19 points in 23 games vs. the Wild. LW Rick Nash is tied for fifth in the NHL with 18 goals and is 17th with 31 points.

Numbers: The Wild is 3-1-1 in the second game of back-to-backs. ... Blue Jackets G Pascal Leclaire, pulled in his last game, is second in the NHL with a 1.92 GAA and .931 save percentage and is first with six shutouts.

Injuries: Blue Jackets LE Fredrik Modin (back spasms), C Jiri Novotny (concussion) and RW David Vyborny (hip) are out. D Duvie Westcott (concussion) may play. Wild D/W Petteri Nummelin (head/nose) is available. LW Derek Boogaard (back) and C Mikko Koivu (fibula) are out.

TV note: Tonight's game will not be televised locally but is available on the NHL Center Ice package.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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