6:30 p.m. at Detroit • Little Caesars Arena NBCSN, 100.3-FM
Wild to christen Red Wings' new arena in season opener
Preview: The Wild begins its 17th season at the Red Wings' new arena, marking the first time it has been the opponent for an arena's first NHL regular-season game. In its past 10 games against the Red Wings, the Wild is 5-2-3, with seven of those games decided by one goal. It has earned at least one point in four of its past five games in Detroit.
Players to watch: Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk is one victory away from reaching his 100th with the Wild. He is 99-54-13 since joining the team on Jan. 15, 2015, with a 2.17 goals-against average and save percentage of .924. Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard is 13-3-3 against the Wild, with a GAA of 2.16 and save percentage of .908.
Numbers: The Wild is 9-5-2 in season openers, with a 1-4-1 mark in season openers on the road.
Injuries: Wild F Zach Parise (back) is out indefinitely. Red Wings F Eric Tangradi (knee) is out, and D Niklas Kronwall (groin) is doubtful.
Rachel Blount
