Preview: The Wild is coming off a 5-4 shootout victory over San Jose -- its second win since Dec. 10 (2-8-3). It is 0-6-1 since Dec. 10 on the road with five goals during that stretch. The Blackhawks' 5-2 victory over Columbus on Tuesday ended a four-game losing streak. The Wild has lost five of six overall to the Blackhawks and four consecutive in Chicago.
Players to watch: C Mikko Koivu has points in 17 of his past 21 games (23 points). Nine of RW Dany Heatley's 13 goals have been the first of the game for the Wild. C Kyle Brodziak has no goals in 11 games. LW Andrew Brunette leads Blackhawks players with 16 points in 26 games against Minnesota. RW Marian Hossa has 15 points in 16 games and C Jonathan Toews has 13 points in 14 contests.
Numbers: The Wild's power play is 1-for-32 in the past 12 games. ... The Wild's 44 points against the Western Conference is the most in the NHL. ... The Blackhawks average 3.14 goals per game -- sixth best in the NHL; the Wild averages 2.23 -- second worst.
Injuries: Wild LW/RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion), LW Guillaume Latendresse (concussion) and RW Jarod Palmer (concussion) are out. LW Colton Gillies (lower body) and G Josh Harding (ill) are questionable. Blackhawks RW Patrick Sharp (wrist), LW Daniel Carcillo (suspended) and C Marcus Kruger (concussion) are out.
MICHAEL RUSSO