7 p.m. vs. Florida • Xcel Energy Center • FSN, 100.3-FM
Season's second half begins at X
Preview: The Wild opens the 2018 portion of its schedule in St. Paul, where the team is 9-1-1 in its past 11 games. The Wild's penalty kill on home ice is tied for second in the NHL at 91.7 percent. The Panthers extended their season-long winning streak to five games after shutting out the Canadiens Saturday. Florida, however, has never earned a regulation victory at Xcel Energy Center.
Players to watch: Panthers G James Reimer is 7-3-1 since Roberto Luongo was sidelined by injury. C Connor Brickley has scored two game-winners in his past four games. Gophers and Blaine High School product Nick Bjugstad has nine goals and 20 points.
Numbers: Wild D Matt Dumba is one point shy of 100 for his career. G Devan Dubnyk is 7-1-0 with a 1.48 goals-against average and .942 save percentage in eight career games vs. Florida. … The Panthers defeated the Wild 4-2 in Florida on Dec.22. They are 7-10-2 on the road.
Injuries: F Nino Niederreiter (lower-body injury) is out. Panthers F Radim Vrbata (illness) and Luongo (lower-body injury) are also out.
SARAH McLELLAN
