Gameday: Wild at Anaheim

Last update: December 14, 2007 - 1:19 AM

Preview: The Wild's lineup could be a disheveled mess and even minus the maximum 18 skaters as a nasty stomach flu has infiltrated the team. Integral players such as Marian Gaborik, Nick Schultz and Eric Belanger missed Thursday's practice, and this is a team already reeling at 1-2, with only three goals, on the road trip. The Wild beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks 2-0 in Anaheim on Oct. 14.

Players to watch: Several Wild forwards are in slumps -- RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard has no goals in 14 games, Belanger has two goals in 19 games and LW Mark Parrish has one goal in 12 games. Ducks RW Todd Bertuzzi has 21 points in 28 games vs. the Wild. With Teemu Selanne retired, young stars Ryan Getzlaf (22 assists, 35 points) and Corey Perry (17 goals) lead the Ducks.

Numbers: The Wild has scored two goals or fewer in its past five games and 16 times this season.

Injuries: Ducks defenseman Kent Huskins (knee) is out. Wild D/W Petteri Nummelin (head/nose) is available. Center Mikko Koivu (fibula) is out.

TV note: Tonight's game will not be aired by local TV, but it will be available on the NHL Network and on NHL Center Ice.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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