wild gameday
2 p.m. at St. Louis • SCOTTRADE CENTER • Ch. 11, 100.3-FM
Preview: The Wild on Thursday ended a streak of seven consecutive Game 1 losses with its first series-opening victory since April 10, 2003. The Wild, which set franchise records with 24 road wins and 50 road points during the regular season, has won 13 of its past 14 road games. The Central Division-champion Blues, 4-13 in their past 17 playoff games, have lost consecutive first-round series heading into this year.
Players to watch: LW Zach Parise, who had two assists in Game 1 and led the Wild with 33 goals and 62 points in the regular season, leads all Wild players with 60 points in 80 playoff games. RW Jason Pominville has 39 points in 61 playoff games and 11 in his past 12. Matt Dumba, who finished third among rookie defensemen with eight goals in the regular season, scored his first career playoff goal Thursday. D Ryan Suter has led the Wild in ice time in all 19 playoff games he has played. Blues forwards David Backes and T.J. Oshie will be reunited Saturday. RW Vladimir Tarasenko, who scored 37 goals in the regular season, registered no shots Thursday and had six shots blocked. Centetr Paul Stastny has 11 points in 14 career playoff games against Minnesota.
Numbers: The Wild scored two power-play goals Thursday in a playoff game for the first time since the 2003 second round against Vancouver. … The Wild is 19-0-1 this season with G Devan Dubnyk when it scores at least three goals.
Injuries: Wild D Keith Ballard (concussion) is out. The Blues are healthy.
MICHAEL RUSSO
