7 p.m. vs. San Jose • NBCSN, 100.3-FM
Best in West to open stand
Preview: The Wild opens a five-game homestand against the Sharks, who are battling the Calgary Flames for the top seed in the Western Conference. San Jose has won four in a row, most recently 3-2 over the Blues in overtime Saturday. The Sharks have won both games against the Wild this season, outscoring it 8-3.
Players to watch: Sharks F Timo Meier has five goals during a four-game goal streak. F Joe Thornton has 41 points in 47 career games vs. the Wild. G Martin Jones hasn't allowed more than two goals in each of his past three starts.
Numbers: San Jose is 13-3-1 in its past 17 games. Jones has a .942 save percentage vs. the Wild this season. Wild D Ryan Suter has a team-high 26 points on home ice.
Injuries: Wild Fs Luke Kunin (upper body) and Mikko Koivu (torn ACL and meniscus) and D Matt Dumba (torn pectoral) are out, as are Sharks F Evander Kane (mid-body) and D Erik Karlsson (groin).
SARAH MCLELLAN
