Who to watch on the Wild

Last update: April 8, 2008 - 11:07 PM

CENTER: MIKKO KOIVU

The Wild's best at taking faceoffs. He won 52.5 percent this season, a number that rose to 57.2 in his last 10 games. That's a crucial skill on both the power play and when the Wild is killing penalties.

LEFT WING: STEPHANE VEILLEUX

The hard-working winger is hard-nosed -- he led the Wild with 113 hits this season -- and is top-notch when it comes to checking against top lines. And Colorado presents two such challenges. He will be busy.

RIGHT WING: MARIAN GABORIK

Five years ago, he scored four goals and had two assists vs. Colorado in the playoffs as a 21-year-old. This year, he set franchise records with 42 goals (two vs. Colorado) and 83 points.

DEFENSEMAN: KIM JOHNSSON

An ironman who led all Wild skaters in minutes per game (23:26), a number that should rise with the loss of Nick Schultz. He also finished second to Schultz on the team with 121 blocked shots.

GOALIE: NIKLAS BACKSTROM

Backstrom's .913 save percentage on penalty kills was third-best among NHL goaltenders playing in at least 20 games. He enters the playoffs having won seven of his past eight starts.

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