Wild-Carolina game preview
October 7, 2017 at 10:32PM
Preview: The Wild, which lost 4-2 in Thursday's season opener in Detroit, finishes a two-game road trip in a place where it has had recent success. It is 3-1-2 in its past six games at PNC Arena and has earned points in 11 of its past 14 games against the Hurricanes. Saturday's game is Carolina's season opener; the Hurricanes have not played since completing their preseason schedule Sept. 29.
Players to watch: Wild F Chris Stewart, expected to play his 600th NHL game Saturday, led the team with one goal and one assist in Thursday's loss. He has seven assists in 13 games against the Hurricanes. Carolina defenseman Justin Faulk, a South St. Paul native who played for Minnesota Duluth, has had an assist in each of the Hurricanes' past five season openers.
Numbers: This season marks the Hurricanes' 20th anniversary in Carolina. They finished the preseason with a 5-2 record. ... The Wild has not scored a power-play goal in its past seven games against the Hurricanes.
Injuries: Wild F Zach Parise (back) is out. Carolina F Lee Stempniak (upper body) is out.
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Minnesota hadn’t even lost two straight until this homestand, when it went 1-4. Next up in a tough stretch is league-leading Winnipeg on Saturday.
