7 p.m. vs. Chicago • Xcel Energy Center • NBCSN, 100.3-FM
Preview: The Wild returns from a 3-0 road trip to play at home for the first time in 15 days, hoping to end an 0-3 streak against Chicago. The Blackhawks slowed a bit in January, going 6-6-0, but they remain the fourth-best road team in the NHL with 31 points (15-10-1). The Wild is 5-1-1 in its past seven games but has struggled at home, with four victories in its past 15 games at Xcel Energy Center.
Players to watch: Chicago RW Patrick Kane is ranked third in the NHL with 56 points, and his 25 goals are the league's seventh-highest total. … Wild G Devan Dubnyk has stopped 157 of 168 shots he has faced since joining the team on Jan. 14, compiling a goals-against average of 1.71 and save percentage of .935. He also has two shutouts.
Numbers: Dubnyk is expected to play his 200th NHL game. … The Wild has won three consecutive games in regulation for the first time since Nov. 1-5, 2013. … Chicago's penalty kill ranks first in the NHL (87.6 percent), but it has allowed six goals in the past 10 games.
Injuries: Wild D Keith Ballard (concussion) is out, and RW Justin Fontaine (groin) is doubtful. Chicago LW Kris Versteeg (broken hand) and D Trevor van Riemsdyk (leg) are out.
RACHEL BLOUNT
