6:30 p.m. at Detroit FSN, 100.3-FM
Preview: The Red Wings are in peril of missing the playoffs for the first time in 25 seasons. They are one point behind Boston for third in the Atlantic Division and two points behind Philadelphia for the second wild-card spot. So the Wild should expect a desperate opponent. The Wild is 8-3-1 on the road since Feb. 15 and 6-3-3 in its past 12 games against the Red Wings.
Players to watch: Red Wings C Dylan Larkin is tied for third among rookies with 22 goals and fifth among rookies with 44 points. LW Henrik Zetterberg has 15 goals and 38 points in 39 games against Minnesota, while C Pavel Datsyuk has 29 points in 42 games against the Wild. Center Brad Richards has 27 points in 25 games against the Wild. Against Detroit, Wild C Mikko Koivu has 21 points in 29 games.
Numbers: The Wild has earned a point in each of its past three games at Joe Louis Arena (2-0-1) and in five of its past eight games in Detroit (4-3-1). … The Wild is 5-6-3 in the second of back-to-backs this season.
Injuries: Wild RW David Jones (ill) and D Jared Spurgeon (lower body) are doubtful, and LW/RW Thomas Vanek (upper body) is questionable. Red Wings RW Johan Franzen (concussion) and LW Drew Miller (knee) are out.
MICHAEL RUSSO
