Preview: The Wild is coming off its first 2-0 start since 2008-09, while the Predators lost 4-3 in a shootout against visiting St. Louis on Monday after losing in a shootout opening night against Columbus. The Wild lost three of four to the Predators last season but are 12-7-3 all-time against them at home.
Players to watch: The Wild didn't practice Monday, so it's uncertain which goalie Mike Yeo will start. Niklas Backstrom beat Colorado and is 7-4-1 against Nashville, but Josh Harding is coming off a 1-0 shutout over Dallas. He also was in goal for last year's Jan. 31 four-goal, third-period meltdown against Nashville. ... Predators RW Martin Erat has 26 points in 33 games vs. the Wild.
Numbers: In Predators history, new Wild D Ryan Suter ranks fourth with 542 games, fourth with 200 assists, tied for eighth with 238 points and second with a plus-43. He scored a career-high 46 points last season and averaged 26 minutes, 30 seconds a game -- third-most in the NHL.
Injuries: Predators C Paul Gaustad (upper body) and LW Gabriel Bourque (lower body) are out.
MICHAEL RUSSO
