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Wild host Blue Jackets, look to remain unbeaten

Oct 14, 2006 - 3:59 PM Columbus (2-0-1) at Minnesota (4-0-0) 8:00 pm EDT

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Wild have become extremely comfortable on their home ice.

Off to its best start in franchise history after winning its first four games, the Wild will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday in their fifth consecutive home contest.

For the Wild, this will be the final game of their season-opening homestand. With the quick start, Minnesota looks to qualify for the playoffs for only the second time in the team's history.

However, it has not been easy for the Wild. Minnesota opened its season with a 3-2 overtime victory against Colorado and has won its last two games in a shootout.

In their last contest, the Wild maintained their unblemished record with a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Mikko Koivu scored in a shootout and defenseman Kim Johnsson added two power-play goals for Minnesota, which has won a franchise-best seven straight home games, dating to last season.

Nikolai Zherdev scored two goals and Rick Nash added a tally and two assists to lead the Blue Jackets to a 5-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes in their last game on Monday.

Columbus won three of four meetings with Minnesota last season and has won nine of the past 13 overall.