Game Preview: Minnesota Wild at Edmonton Oilers

Mornin’ from GPW, folks!

The Wild are back on the grind again tonight against the Edmonton Oilers. This marks the conclusion of the Minnesota Wild’s second Western Canada road trip in less than a month.

Minnesota is coming off arguably their most important win of the season as they clipped the Calgary Flames 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday. Mikko Koivu’s tally in the extra frame was the difference as the Wild moved within 3 points of the Flames and the San Jose Sharks for 8^th and final playoff spot.

Jared Spurgeon, an Edmonton native, will be out tonight after suffering a head injury.

It’s uncertain what the extent of the injury is at this point. All that is known is he was experiencing the infamous concussion-like syptoms. Christian Folin has been called up to fill in for the time being.

With the Wild’s rash of injuries on the blue line, many people have begun to realize just why Nate Prosser was brought back after his short stint with the St. Louis Blues. Despite taking a beating on a nightly basis, Prosser has proven his worth by blocking shots and playing an integral role on the Wild’s penalty kill which hasn’t allowed a goal in it’s last 29 kills. Michael “The Machine” Russo had an awesome story on how important he has been recently.

More from Wild News

• Defenseman Matt Dumba signs one-year contract with Arizona
• Minnesota Wild reach agreement with Brandon Duhaime on one-year contract
• Minnesota Wild receive mixed grades for picks in NHL Entry Draft
• Minnesota Wild draft heavy on centers and home-state selections
• Minnesota Wild open regular season at home against Stanley Cup Finalist

Devan Dubnyk will get his 16th consecutive start this evening. Moving on.

My Wild player to watch tonight is Jordan Schroeder. He has 3 points and is +3 in his last 3 games and is making the most of his time with the big club. His speed has been noticeable much like it was for Erik Haula around this time last year.

For the Oilers, there honestly hasn’t been a real bright spot this season. Edmonton ranks among the bottom five teams in the league in goals per game, goals against, penalty kill and powerplay. Their 17-32-10 record may be second worst in the league, but it’s also good for second best in the “McEichel” draft standings.

There are plenty of rumors surrounding Edmonton as the trade deadline approaches. Defenseman Jeff Petry (injured Wednesday), Jordan Eberle, and former #1 overall pick Nail Yakupov have all had their names mentioned as we approach March 2nd. At this point, it seems like no one is untouchable for the Oilers.

Ben Scrivens, who recently returned from injury, will likely get the call tonight for Edmonton after Viktor Fasth hurt his knee against the Winnipeg Jets. He was placed on IR.

Wild Lines:

Oilers Lines: 

Purcell – Nugent-Hopkins – Eberle

Hamilton – Roy – Yakupov

Pouliot – Lander – Pakarinen

Hendricks – Gordon – Fraser

Tonight’s game can be seen on FSN Plus and heard on 100.3 KFAN.