7 p.m. vs. Los Angeles • Xcel Energy Center • NBCSN, 100.3-FM
Wild has handled worst in West
Preview: The Wild finishes off a back-to-back by playing host to the Kings, the third and final meeting between these two teams. During the previous two games, the Wild outscored Los Angeles 7-2 in a pair of victories. This is the start of a three-game road trip for the Kings, who at 18-25-3 sit last in the Western Conference with 39 points.
Players to watch: Kings captain Anze Kopitar has nine points in his past 10 games. Defenseman Drew Doughty averages 26 minutes, 39 seconds of ice time. Fellow blueliner Jake Muzzin has assisted on three goals in the past two games.
Numbers: The Wild is 4-3 in the second half of a back-to-back. Captain Mikko Koivu has a goal and three assists vs. the Kings this season. Los Angeles' Jonathan Quick has 301 career victories, tying him with Mike Richter for fourth in NHL history for a United States-born goaltender. Five of Kings center Jeff Carter's nine goals have come on the power play.
Injuries: Wild D Matt Dumba (ruptured right pectoral muscle) and F Eric Fehr (lower body) are out. Kings Fs Trevor Lewis (foot) and Jonny Brodzinski (shoulder) are also out.
Sarah McLellan
