Gameday preview: Columbus at Wild
October 22, 2015 at 12:23AM
7 p.m. vs. COLUMBUS
XCEL ENERGY CENTER • FSN, 100.3-FM
Preview: The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's game at the bottom of the NHL with an 0-7 record. But they have had the Wild's number lately, winning the past five games between the teams — including three at Xcel Energy Center. Columbus' streak of futility is one shy of setting an expansion-era record for most regulation losses at the start of a season; only the 1943-44 New York Rangers got off to a worse start (0-11). The Wild is 1-0 at home this season and plays four of its next five games at Xcel.
Players to watch: Wild winger Zach Parise has a three-game point streak against Columbus. He is tied for second in the NHL with five goals and is tied for first in the league with three power-play goals. … Blue Jackets winger Brandon Saad, acquired from Chicago in a trade last summer, has points in four of his first seven games and is tied for the NHL lead with three power-play goals.
Numbers: Columbus has been outscored 34-13 this season and has allowed 18 third-period goals. Five of its seven losses have been by at least three goals. … The Wild went 17-12-3 against Eastern Conference teams last season.
Injuries: Wild C Tyler Graovac (lower body) is out. Columbus RW Josh Anderson (orbital bone fracture) is out.
RACHEL BLOUNT
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To be more competitive at home against Edmonton, the Wild are focusing on details while key injured players heal.
