Preview: The Wild has dropped the first three games of its four-game trip by a 12-2 margin. It has not lost four in a row this season in regulation. The Wild beat San Jose in its first two meetings, both at home, but is 4-11-3 in its past 18 games (1-6-1 in San Jose) against the Sharks. San Jose RW Dany Heatley will serve the first game of a two-game suspension.

Players to watch: Wild C Mikko Koivu returned in Monday's 4-2 loss against Vancouver and scored a goal and assist. His return paid dividends for LW Andrew Brunette, who registered his first multi-point game since Feb. 11. RW Antti Miettinen has no goals since Feb. 12 (15 games). D Brent Burns has 43 points, one away from breaking the team record for defensemen scoring.

Numbers: G Niklas Backstrom has allowed three or more goals in 12 of his 15 career starts vs. the Sharks. ... Brunette is one point short of becoming the 29th active player to register 700 career points.

Injuries: Wild LW Guillaume Latendresse (lower body) and D Cam Barker (back) are out; D Marek Zidlicky (lower body) is doubtful; G Jose Theodore (sick) is probable to back up. Sharks F Scott Nichol (upper body) and D Kent Huskins (upper body) are out; D Niclas Wallin (upper body) is questionable.

MICHAEL RUSSO