wild gameday

7 P.M. at Arizona • FSN, 100.3-FM

Preview: The Wild, 2-2-1 in its past five, continues its three-game trip to rebranded Arizona (no longer Phoenix, which has played in Glendale for years anyway). The Coyotes have lost seven of eight, are in the midst of a franchise-long eight-game home losing streak and were smoked at home Thursday, 5-1, by Nashville..

Players to watch: Wild F Charlie Coyle has no goals and eight assists in 22 games since Oct. 23. He was elevated to the No. 1 power play in Friday's practice. Coach Mike Yeo wouldn't divulge whether Darcy Kuemper or Niklas Backstrom (8-5-1 all-time at Arizona with a 2.09 goals-against average and .939 save percentage) will start.

Numbers: The Wild's power play is 1-for-44 in 14 road games.

Injuries: Wild D Keith Ballard (concussion/facial fractures), D Marco Scandella (suspended) and LW Matt Cooke (hip flexor) are out. Coyotes D Brandon Gormley (lower) is out.

MICHAEL RUSSO