Preview: This is the Wild's first home game since sweeping a two-game homestand Nov. 25. This is the first of three consecutive games at home and second in three games against the Oilers.
Wild-Edmonton preview
Players to watch: Wild G Devan Dubnyk leads the NHL with four shutouts, a .946 save percentage and 1.65 goals-against average. The former Oilers first-round pick is 7-1 against his former team with a .951 save percentage and 1.23 goals-against average. Oilers F Connor McDavid, held scoreless against the Wild on Sunday, was leading the league with 25 assists, 36 points and 11 multi-point games before Thursday's game.
Numbers: The Wild's 48 wins and 106 points against Edmonton are its most against any franchise. … The Wild's power play went 0-for-10 on the road trip.
Injuries: Wild D Christian Folin (knee) and C Zac Dalpe (knee) are out. Oilers D Andrew Ference (hip), D Eric Gryba (undisclosed), D Mark Fayne (undisclosed), D Brandon Davidson (lower body) and D Darnell Nurse (foot) are out.
Michael Russo
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The team stands third in the Central Division and must protect that position to make the playoffs and improve it to gain home-ice advantage.