12:30 p.m. vs. Calgary • Xcel Energy Center • FSN, 100.3-FM
An uptick is in evidence
Preview: After a shutout in Calgary, the Wild gets the Flames on home ice. Since that 2-0 loss Dec. 6, the Wild has racked up 14 goals in three games. Calgary is 2-1 since.
Players to watch: Winger Johnny Gaudreau has 11 points in his past five games. Center Sean Monahan has reached the 20-goal plateau for the sixth straight season.
Numbers: The Wild is tied for first in the NHL in goals from defensemen (25). Calgary reached 20 wins in 32 games, the second-fastest pace in franchise history.
Injuries: Wild F Mikko Koivu (lower body) is a game-time decision. Flames Fs Mikael Backlund (concussion) and Michael Frolik (lower body), Ds Juuso Valimaki (lower body) and Michael Stone (blood clot) and G Mike Smith (undisclosed) are out.
Sarah McLellan
