Gameday: Wild at Edmonton

Last update: March 23, 2008 - 7:15 PM

Preview: The Wild's seven-game point streak ended Saturday with a 5-4 loss at Calgary. Minnesota is 3-1-1 in its past five. Since a 3-0 victory Feb. 13, 2004, the Wild is 17-5-1 against the Oilers, outscoring them 75-42. This includes an 8-2-1 mark at Edmonton and 4-1-1 record this season. However, the young Oilers are on fire, winning 11 of their past 14.

Players to watch: Wild G Niklas Backstrom is 8-0 in nine career starts vs. the Oilers with a 1.44 goals-against average and .940 save percentage, but he has been pulled in his past two starts at Edmonton after two periods -- once with a 3-2 lead. RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard has one goal on 40 shots and 16 assists in his past 25 games. He has 23 points in 28 games vs. the Oilers. C Pavol Demitra and LW Brian Rolston have 31 points apiece vs. Edmonton. Oilers rookie Sam Gagner has 18 points in his past 12 games. RW Ales Hemsky has 10 points in the last seven games. C Jarret Stoll has two goals and eight points all season at even strength.

Numbers: In 15 starts vs. the Wild, G Dwayne Roloson is 4-9-2 with a 2.85 GAA and .895 save percentage. ... Saturday, the Wild scored more than three goals for the first time in 17 games.

Injuries: Wild C Eric Belanger (broken toe) is questionable. D Kurtis Foster (broken femur), C Steve Kelly (ankle) and D/LW Petteri Nummelin (groin) are out. Oilers G Mathieu Garon (ankle), D Sheldon Souray (shoulder), C Shawn Horcoff (shoulder), LW Raffi Torres (knee) and LW Ethan Moreau (leg) are out.

MICHAEL RUSSO

Recent Minnesota Wild stories

Kiprusoff's 38 saves, Iginla's 2 goals give Calgary a 5-2 win over Maple Leafs - March 23, 2008

Kiprusoff's 38 saves, Iginla's 2 goals give Calgary a 5-2 win over Maple Leafs - Jarome Iginla scored two goals and Miikka Kiprusoff made 38 saves and the Calgary Flames earned a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. More