wild gameday
7 p.m. at NASHVILLE • BRIDGESTONE ARENA • FSN, 100.3-FM
Preview: Given three days between games, the Wild hopes to bounce back from Tuesday's loss in Chicago. It will be defenseman Ryan Suter's first game back in Nashville, where he spent his first seven NHL seasons. Nashville was 1-5-0 in its past six games before Friday. That included a three-game losing streak to Anaheim, San Jose and the L.A. Kings in which it was outscored 12-3.
Players to watch: Wild F Cal Clutterbuck returns after missing six games because of a thigh contusion. He skated on a line with Kyle Brodziak and Dany Heatley in practice Friday, which could mean Pierre-Marc Bouchard will be a healthy scratch. RW Devon Setoguchi has a five-game point streak (two goals, four assists). Looking to shake up a dormant offense, the Predators juggled their lineup for Friday's game. D Victor Bartley made his NHL debut. Forwards Bobby Butler and Zach Boychuk, both acquired recently off waivers this week, were in the lineup as well. Center Colin Wilson leads Nashville with five goals and 15 points.
Numbers: Minnesota has not allowed a power play goal in four games. Minnesota is 0-3-2 in Nashville in its past five games there. Minnesota split two games with the Predators, both in St. Paul, with a 3-1 loss Jan. 29 and a 2-1 overtime victory Feb. 9.
Injuries: Wild G Darcy Kuemper (groin) was put on injured reserve Friday. Matt Hackett was called up from Houston of the AHL and will back up Niklas Backstrom. G Josh Harding (illness) is out. Nashville D Hal Gill (lower body) and F Brandon Yip (upper body) are on injured reserve.
KENT YOUNGBLOOD
