>> Preview: Dan Ellis will start in goal tonight for the Predators. This will be his first appearance since Jan. 17 when he let in three goals on four shots before being pulled against Atlanta. Heading into Thursday?s game, the Predators had allowed just six power-play goals in the club?s last 22 outings, killing off 74-of-80 opportunities against (92.5%). The last two-man advantage goals the Predators have surrendered have been 5-on-3 goals. The Wild are playing Game 2 of a four-game homestand that began with a 3-0 win over Anaheim on Wednesday. Heading into Thursday?s games, Minnesota was tied for sixth in the Western Conference with 55 points. Center Mikko Koivu leads the Wild in goals (15), assists (35) and points (50). Goaltender Niklas Backstrom is ranked fourth in the league in save percentage (.927) and fifth in goal against average (2.21).
>> Who?s hot: Center Jason Arnott scored his team-leading 17th goal of the season against Phoenix. He has four goals in his last 12 games played after being held off the scoresheet in his previous 11 outings.
>> Who?s not: Winger Antti Pihlstrom has just three points since being recalled from the AHL on Nov. 25. He has not scored a goal since Dec. 8.
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>> Wild injuries: W Owen Nolan (upper body) is questionable. RW Marian Gaborik (hip), D Kurtis Foster (broken leg) and RW Craig Weller (head) are out.
>> Predators injuries: RW Wade Belak (shoulder) is doubtful: RW Jordin Tootoo (hand), D Alexander Sulzer (shoulder) and C Scott Nichol (concussion) are out.
>> Who?s hot: Center Jason Arnott scored his team-leading 17th goal of the season against Phoenix. He has four goals in his last 12 games played after being held off the scoresheet in his previous 11 outings.
>> Who?s not: Winger Antti Pihlstrom has just three points since being recalled from the AHL on Nov. 25. He has not scored a goal since Dec. 8.
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>> Wild injuries: W Owen Nolan (upper body) is questionable. RW Marian Gaborik (hip), D Kurtis Foster (broken leg) and RW Craig Weller (head) are out.
>> Predators injuries: RW Wade Belak (shoulder) is doubtful: RW Jordin Tootoo (hand), D Alexander Sulzer (shoulder) and C Scott Nichol (concussion) are out.
