Wild gameday

Last update: March 14, 2008 - 10:51 PM

Preview: Don't think a game against the Kings is a respite. The Wild needed overtime to beat the Kings on March 2, and Los Angeles is 2-2-1 since, including Thursday's 4-1 victory in Nashville. The Wild has lost five consecutive games, the last three in shootouts. Thursday's loss to the Devils was the first time the Wild failed to win at home after holding a two-goal lead since March 7, 2006. This is the last of four meetings between the teams. The Wild is 2-0-1 in the season series.

Players to watch: Wild G Niklas Backstrom is 1-0-1 vs. L.A. this season. Marian Gaborik (four points), Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Brian Rolston (three points each) lead the Wild in scoring vs. L.A. this season.

Numbers: Brent Burns has seven points in his past seven games. Marian Gaborik is one goal away from 200 for his career. The Wild has scored three or fewer goals in 12 consecutive games. The Wild is 0-for-15 on the power play in its past four home games.

Injuries: For the Wild, W Derek Boogaard (back), C Steve Kelly (ankle), C Eric Belanger (toe) and defenseman Petteri Nummelin (groin) are out. For L.A., goalie Jason LaBarbera (sports hernia surgery) and LW Scott Thornton (upper body) are day-to-day. LW Ladislav Nagy (sore neck) is on injured reserve.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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