Gameday: Wild at Edmonton

Last update: February 12, 2008 - 12:03 AM

Preview: In the past three years, the Wild has crushed the Oilers like no other opponent. Since a 3-0 victory Feb. 13, 2004, the Wild is 17-4-1 against the Oilers, outscoring them 73-38. This includes an 8-1-1 mark in Edmonton and 4-0-1 record this season. The Wild has won two in a row and is 8-3-2 in its past 13 games. The injury-riddled Oilers have lost seven of 11.

Players to watch: RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard has eight points in five games against the Oilers this season and 23 in 27 career games. C Eric Belanger, who has one assist in the past 11 games, had a four-assist game in Edmonton on Nov. 15. RW Marian Gaborik has 16 goals and 35 points in 39 games vs. the Oilers. F's Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston have 30 points each vs. the Oilers. If G Niklas Backstrom starts, he's 8-0 all-time vs. the Oilers. LW Geoff Sanderson, who will play his 1,100th game tonight, has 14 goals in 19 games vs. the Wild. C Jarret Stoll has 14 points in 23 games vs. the Wild.

Numbers: The Wild killed off 32 consecutive power plays before Paul Kariya's goal Sunday. ... Edmonton is an NHL-best 12-3 in shootouts with Ales Hemsky and Sam Gagner having five goals each.

Injuries: Oilers C Shawn Horcoff (shoulder), D Sheldon Souray (biceps) and LW Raffi Torres (knee) are out. Wild D Kim Johnsson (ill) didn't practice Monday and is questionable. LW Derek Boogaard (back) is out.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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