Wild at Panthers
THE STORY: The Florida Panthers will attempt to salvage the finale of a four-game homestand Thursday night against the visiting Minnesota Wild. The Panthers have been outscored 10-3 in losing the first three games at BankAtlantic Center. Florida had dropped seven straight to Minnesota before taking the last two meetings. This is the first of two games between the teams this season. The Wild haven't scored more than one goal in a road game this month.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN-North (Minnesota), FSN (Florida)
ABOUT THE WILD (26-24-9): The Wild owned top spot in the Western Conference on Dec. 18, but are a dismal 6-16-4 since. Minnesota has been limited to 12 goals in nine games this month, spoiling a great run from goaltender Niklas Backstrom. The Finnish netminder has an impressive 1.84 goals-against average in his last eight starts. Captain Mikko Koivu is unlikely to suit up Thursday. He’s missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (27-20-11): The Panthers are in a four-way battle for the Southeast Division crown. Washington, Winnipeg and Tampa Bay are all within five points of Florida for the division lead. The Panthers should receive a much needed morale boost Thursday. The game against the Wild will be forward Stephen Weiss’ 614th in a Panthers’ jersey, breaking Radek Dvorak’s all-time record. Weiss was chosen by Florida with the fourth overall pick in the 2001 NHL Draft and has spent his entire 10-year career with the franchise.
OVERTIME:
1. The Panthers have scored more than two goals just twice in their last 10 home games.
2. Florida defenseman Ed Jovanovski could return on Thursday after recovering from surgery on his broken right hand.
3. The Wild are averaging 1.1 goals per game during a 2-11-3 slump away from home.