Wild-New Jersey game preview
November 20, 2017 at 2:11AM
Wild has been tough at home vs. East, but Devils are solid on the road
Preview: The Wild had its four-game winning streak snapped Saturday in a 3-1 loss to the Capitals. It was the fifth road loss to an Eastern Conference opponent this season, but the Wild has fared better at home against the East, going 4-0-1. As for the Devils, they've collected at least a point in five of their past seven games but have won only twice in that span. This is the final stop on a four-game road trip in which they've gone 1-1-1, with their last game a 5-2 loss to the Jets on Saturday.
Players to watch: Devils F Taylor Hall leads New Jersey in points with 20. The Devils boast the reigning No. 1 draft pick, Nico Hischier, who has three goals and 15 points. New Jersey also has another impressive rookie on the back end, defenseman Will Butcher. He, too, has 15 points and scored his first goal of the season in the team's loss to the Jets.
Numbers: The Devils won both games against the Wild last season, one of which went to overtime. They're 6-2-2 on the road this season. Wild winger Nino Niederreiter has scored a goal in three consecutive games and is in the midst of a five-game point streak. Center Eric Staal has also been productive lately, racking up five points in his past three games.
Injuries: Wild Fs Charlie Coyle (broken fibula) and Zach Parise (back surgery) are out. Devils F Marcus Johansson (concussion) and D Mirco Mueller (fractured collarbone) are also out.
SARAH MCLELLAN
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Problems that might have led to a loss in the past are merely complications that the team is overcoming this season, as was true again Friday against Tampa Bay.
