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Wild look to avenge first loss vs. Oilers

Oct 25, 2007 - 1:44 PM Minnesota (7-1-1) at Edmonton (3-6-0) 9:00 pm EDT

EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Wild should have no problem rebounding from their first regulation loss of the season against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

Minnesota became the last team to lose on Wednesday as goaltender Niklas Backstrom allowed five consecutive goals in a 5-3 loss to Calgary.

The setback was particularly stunning considering that Backstrom entered the game second in the league with a 1.48 goals-against average.

The good news is that the Wild now travel to Edmonton where they have had great success recently. Minnesota, which beat the Oilers 2-0, at home on October 10, has won eight of the last 11 meetings here.

Right wing Marian Gaborik is one player in particular that enjoys playing here. The third overall pick of the 2000 draft, Gaborik has eight goals and three assists while enjoying a seven-game point streak in Edmonton. Not coincidentally, the Wild have won all seven games.

Backup goaltender Josh Harding will likely be in net for Minnesota, and has been outstanding this season. The five-year veteran has won his only two starts this season while posting a 0.50 GAA.

Meanwhile, the Oilers have lost six of seven and coming off a 4-2 setback to Colorado. Rookie Sam Gagner had two assists in the loss, and his seven points are tied for the team lead with fellow rookie Andrew Cogliano.

One of the biggest reasons for Edmonton's struggles is that it is 0-for-15 with a man advantage in the last four games, as well as a league-worst 2-for-35 on the power play.