Wild vs. Ottawa game preview: Broadcast info, odds and analysis

vs. Ottawa Senators at Avicii Arena, Stockholm: 10 a.m. Saturday

TV; radio: BSN; 100.3 FM

Stats and analytics: Tap here

Pregame reading: Here's the Sunday reader on how the Wild's Swedish players developed with an eye toward the NHL.

For the fans: This is the Wild's first game in Europe since they lost in a shootout to Carolina on Oct. 8, 2010 in Helsinki, Finland.

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Opening bell: The Wild are back in action after a five-day break to start their leg of the NHL Global Series in Stockholm, but the timeout didn't change what's at stake. They've lost three in a row, with their defense (particularly their penalty kill) struggling. Ottawa played their first game in Sweden on Thursday, winning in overtime on a batted-puck goal from C Tim Stützle after the Senators blew a four-goal lead.

Injuries: Wild RW Frederick Gaudreau (upper body) and D Alex Goligoski (lower body). Senators D Thomas Chabot (hand), C Ridly Greig (lower body) and C Mark Kastelic (ankle). The Wild placed D Dakota Mermis on waivers, a move that gives the team roster flexibility ahead of this weekend's back-to-back.

Forecast: This has been an unconventional week for the Wild, but where and when they play seems irrelevant considering what they're up against. A better penalty kill, or staying out of the penalty box, is imperative for the Wild to build some momentum, and a strong start would also be a step in the right direction. Those improvements might not guarantee a win against the high-scoring Senators, but it would help the Wild's chances.

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