Wild vs. Coyotes game preview: broadcast info and analysis

vs. Arizona Coyotes, Xcel Energy Center, 7 p.m. Saturday

TV; radio: BSN; 100.3 FM

Stats and analytics: Tap here.

Pregame reading: The Wild started strong against Philadelphia on Friday, but blew a 3-1 third-period lead for a 4-3 overtime loss.

For the fans: The Coyotes have quite a few familiar faces. Former Wild players Nick Bjugstad, Matt Dumba and Jason Zucker play for Arizona, as does former Gopher Logan Cooley and Hopkins' Travis Boyd.

Opening bell: Arizona has been one of the first-half surprises in the NHL. The Coyotes (20-18-2) had a five-game win streak against the last five teams to claim the Stanley Cup before closing out December with six victories in seven games. They're ahead of the Wild (17-19-5) in the Central Division and race for a Western Conference wild-card berth, making this an important test for both sides in a matchup worth keeping an eye on the rest of the season. The Wild and Arizona will square off three more times.

Watch him: This is Dumba's first game back at Xcel Energy Center since he left the Wild in the offseason, signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Coyotes. Dumba totaled 79 goals and 157 assists for 236 points in 10 seasons with the Wild after the franchise drafted him seventh overall in 2012. With Arizona, Dumba has two goals and three assists through 39 games.

Forecast: The Coyotes will have the edge in rest. Unlike the Wild, they didn't play Friday; Arizona's last game was a 6-2 loss to Calgary on Thursday. But the Wild should have plenty of urgency. This is a chance to get closer to a team they're chasing in the standings while preventing that team from moving further away. Still, the Coyotes have been a handful this season for many clubs, so the Wild will have to be sharp. A patient, simple style might be their best strategy in the second half of a back-to-back.

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