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Unbeaten Wild face Kings in first road game of season

Oct 18, 2006 - 2:45 PM Minnesota (5-0-0) at Los Angeles (2-4-0) 10:30 pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Wild have made it look easy by opening the campaign with five victories. Now things start to get more challenging.

The Wild can tie the franchise record with their sixth consecutive win and remain one of the league's two undefeated teams Wednesday when they play their first road contest against the Los Angeles Kings.

Off to the best start in franchise history, Minnesota has outscored its first five opponents, 19-10. Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston have seven points apiece to lead a balanced scoring attack.

Ralston scored twice, Mikko Koivu added a goal and assist and Pierre Marc-Bouchard had two assists for the Wild in Saturday's 5-0 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Manny Fernandez made 24 saves for his first shutout since December 8, 2005. He has recorded four victories and a 1.77 goals-against average to rank among the league leaders.

Playing the finale of a six-game homestand, Los Angeles has lost its last three contests at the Staples Center, scoring just one goal in each defeat.

Sean Avery scored his initial tally of the campaign late in the opening period for Los Angeles in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The Kings failed to score on eight power-play attempts and are 5-for-53 this season.

Los Angeles won three of the four encounters against Minnesota last season, including a pair of 3-2 victories in March.