Gameday: Wild at Nashville

Last update: December 5, 2008 - 11:39 PM

Preview: Seven days after trouncing the Predators 6-2 in Nashville, the Wild, 7-3 on the road, returns for another engagement. That game featured four fights, including three in six seconds of the second period. The Predators took 11 minor penalties, and the Wild made them pay by scoring a franchise-road record five power-play goals ... The Wild has beaten Nashville in six of the past seven meetings.

Players to watch: Goaltender Josh Harding, who made 25 saves for his first victory since Feb. 10 last Saturday in Nashville, may start again. LW Andrew Brunette and C Mikko Koivu each scored three points in last week's victory. ... Nashville forwards Jason Arnott and Martin Erat have combined for 34 points against the Wild. ... Shea Weber leads all NHL defensemen with 11 goals and 24 points. D Ryan Suter and F J.P. Dumont have four points each in their past four games against the Wild.

Numbers: The Wild is 5-8-2 all-time in Nashville, scoring four or more goals in all five victories. ... Nashville has surrendered six 5-on-3 goals, tied for the most with Detroit. ... Nashville is an NHL-best 10-2 when scoring first and 7-0 when leading after one period.

Injuries: Wild RW Marian Gaborik ("lower body"), D Kurtis Foster (broken leg) and RW Owen Nolan (right leg) are out. Predators RW Steve Sullivan (back) is out.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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