Gameday 2009-2010 – Wild at Sabres

The Minnesota Wild visit HSBC Arena tonight for a 7:30pm game, coming of a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings last night.  The Sabres play the Wings in Detroit on Saturday, by the way.  Most likely a Lalime game tonight, as the goalies are expected to split the weekend.  There’s some question as to who starts in goal for the Wild, as Niklas Backstrom tweaked his groin before last night’s game and is day to day.  Josh Harding played last night.

Minnesota has been struggling mightily to generate chances lately, ending last night’s game with 22 shots (but 13 in the first).  The game before?  11 shots.  They are bottom 5 for the season in shots/game.  One oddity – they lead the league in short-handed goals, with 10.  Something to watch out for.

Gaustad may return tonight, while Stafford most likely will not.  That should keep Mancari in, and I think most of us would like to see if he can continue his strong play.