wild gameday

Last update: December 26, 2007 - 11:11 PM

Preview: The Wild visits Glendale for the second time and final time this season. On Oct. 13, the Wild rallied for two third-period goals in the final 6:20 to win 3-2. The Wild won the first two meetings this season with the Coyotes and has won seven of the past eight overall. Phoenix is on a roll, having gone 4-0-1 in its past five and 6-2-1 in its past nine.

Players to watch: C Pavol Demitra leads the Wild is scoring against Phoenix with 27 points in 31 games. RW Marian Gaborik has 14 goals and 20 points in 22 games against the Coyotes. G Niklas Backstrom, expected to start, is 5-0 against the Coyotes with a 1.00 goals against average, .964 save percentage and two shutouts. Coyotes captain Shane Doan has nine goals and 14 points in 25 games against the Wild. C Michael York has seven goals in 19 games against the Wild. Leading goal scorer Radim Vrbata (13), who once had a hat trick against Minnesota, is without a point in three in a row.

Numbers: The Wild is 5-1-1 in the second of back-to-backs this season. ... Phoenix has an NHL-worst five victories and 11 points in 14 home games.

Injuries: Coyotes LW Daniel Carcillo (sprained knee) is out. Wild C Mikko Koivu (leg) and LW Derek Boogaard (back) are out.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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