wild/nhl

Preview: The Wild gets the opportunity to stop Chicago’s march to NHL history. Chicago is 19-0-3 — the longest points streak to start a season — and has earned at least a point in 28 straight games dating to last season. That ties the Blackhawks with the 1977-78 Montreal Canadiens for the second-longest streak in history, seven games behind the 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers. The Wild is playing well, going 8-2-1 in its past 11 games.

Players to watch: Wild D Ryan Suter has 25 points in 45 games vs. Chicago, his most against any team. C Mikko Koivu is coming off a one-goal, three-point game against Edmonton. W Charlie Coyle and D Jared Spurgeon each had a goal and an assist vs. Edmonton Sunday. Chicago W Patrick Kane had the game-tying goal and the clincher in the shootout in Chicago’s 2-1 victory over Detroit on Sunday. LW Viktor Stalberg has three points in his past two games. RW Marian Hossa has 18 points in 20 games vs. Minnesota. G Corey Crawford is 2-1-2 all-time vs. Minnesota and G Ray Emery is 3-0-1.

Numbers: Minnesota handed Chicago its first of three shootout losses on Jan. 30. Minnesota is 3-6-1 on the road this season. Minnesota was 2-1-1 vs. Chicago last season, 1-1-0 in Chicago.

Injuries: Wild W Cal Clutterbuck (thigh contusion) and G Josh Harding (illness) are out. Chicago D Steve Montador (concussion), W Rostislav Olesz (knee surgery) are out. C Dave Bolland (upper body) is probable.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD