Flames at Wild
THE STORY: Goal-scoring has been a problem for the Calgary Flames during a three-game losing skid. Finding the remedy Sunday may prove difficult as they visit one of the league's stingiest clubs in the Minnesota Wild. Calgary has been outscored 11-4 in consecutive losses to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues. As a result, the Flames are in danger of running into the same problem they had last season - stuck in a debilitating early-season slump and incapable of digging out. Calgary already finds itself mired in last place in the Northwest Division, four points behind the next closest team and a full 12 points back of first-place Minnesota. The Wild went through a rare defensive letdown last time out, dropping a 5-2 decision to the high-flying Edmonton Oilers. The Flames and Wild have met once already this season, with Minnesota pulling out a 3-0 victory on Nov. 8.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, Rogers Sportsnet Calgary, Fox Sports North
ABOUT THE FLAMES (8-12-1): Rumors continue to swirl about the future of the Flames' core players - captain Jarome Iginla in particular. The veteran forward's stock couldn't be much lower right now, as he continues to suffer through a cold snap that has now lasted more than a quarter of the season. One of the most popular athletes in Calgary's history, Iginla has just 10 points in 21 games and his minus-11 rating is the worst on the team. He has 31 goals and 27 assists in 62 games against the Wild.
ABOUT THE WILD (13-6-3): Minnesota may be riding high in the standings, but it has its own high-paid underachieving forward. All-star winger Dany Heatley came to the Wild with hopes of rediscovering his offensive touch, but it has yet to show up. He has fared slightly better than Iginla, registering 13 points in 22 games, but he has scored just three times in 12 November games. One of those came in the earlier victory against the Flames, part of a two-point performance.
OVERTIME:
1. Minnesota has won four straight meetings, outscoring Calgary 16-2.
2. Niklas Backstrom will start in goal for the Wild on Sunday. He's 13-7-5 with a 1.77 goals-against average and four shutouts in 29 career appearances against the Flames.