Preview: The last time the Wild played a game that started at 1 p.m. in the road team's time zone was Columbus Day, and Minnesota hit the snooze button in the first period of a loss to the Islanders. The Wild is winless in its past seven visits (0-6-1) to Vancouver dating to Jan. 31, 2009. The Canucks, who lost in Game 7 of last season's Stanley Cup Finals, have lost three of their past five.
Players to watch: RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard leads the Wild with 26 points in 39 games against the Canucks. D Marco Scandella recorded a career-high 25 minutes in ice time Thursday at Edmonton. Canucks C Henrik Sedin is the all-time leader against the Wild with 41 assists and is second with 48 points. He and his brother, Daniel, have combined for 19 points in seven games. Cory Schneider is expected to start in goal.
Numbers: The Wild is 0-for-14 on power plays the past four games and 3-for-27 (11.1 percent, 23rd in the NHL) this season. ... The Canucks and Wild are tied for 18th in penalty killing. ... Five of the Wild's seven games have been decided by one goal (2-1-2).
Injuries: Wild C Mikko Koivu (cut) is probable. D Greg Zanon (groin) and LW Guillaume Latendresse (lower body) are questionable. Defenseman Mike Lundin (back) is out. Canucks RW Mikael Samuelsson (abdominal) is doubtful.
MICHAEL RUSSO
