Gameday: Wild at Washington

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 11:44 PM

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Preview: The Southeast Division-leading Capitals, coming off an 11-round shootout victory over the Islanders on Wednesday, are 3-1 without superstar Alex Ovechkin, who wants to return tonight from a shoulder injury. But the decision will be left up to the team. ... The Wild is 1-3 all-time at Washington, having not won there since Nov. 21, 2002.

Players to watch: Entering Thursday's play, Capitals C Nicklas Backstrom was tied for first in the NHL with 18 assists, LW Alexander Semin was tied for 11th with nine goals, and C Brooks Laich, who lit the Wild up two years ago in Washington, was tied for 17th with 18 points. ... If Wild G Josh Harding starts, it'll be the first time since Oct. 16. As a starter this season, he's 0-2 with a 5.50 goals-against average and .738 save percentage.

Numbers: The Capitals lead the NHL with 3.78 goals per game but rank 24th with 3.06 goals against per game. ... The Wild is 2-1 in the second of back-to-back games.

Injuries: Wild LW Petr Sykora (concussion) and C Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion) are out. For Washington, Ovechkin and LW David Steckel (death in family) are questionable, D Jeff Schultz (groin) is a game-time decision and C Boyd Gordon (back) is probable.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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