BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: FOX Sports 98.9/1340
LAST TIME OUT
In their first home game since Jan. 11, the Golden Knights came up short in a shootout to the Carolina Hurricanes in a 6-5 loss on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas was led by two-point performances from Shea Theodore (1G, 1A) and Nate Schmidt (2A) while Max Pacioretty, Chandler Stephenson, Jon Merrill and Cody Eakin each found the back of the net once.
A VEGAS VICTORY WOULD…
SEASON SEARIES
On Dec. 17, Vegas skated to a 3-2 victory against the Wild at T-Mobile Arena. Mark Stone led the way with two assists while Chandler Stephenson, Shea Theodore and Tomas Nosek found the back of the net. The win was Vegas' first home victory against Minnesota in franchise history.
OPPOSITION UPDATE
Minnesota had a three-game win streak halted by the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday as the Wild opened a four-game homestand with a 3-2 loss to the Avs. The fifth-place Wild are fighting to keep pace in the Central Division with 58 points through 55 outings but are still in the wildcard picture as they trail Calgary for the final spot by just four points as of Feb. 10.
Eric Staal's 40 points (17G, 23A) top the team in scoring through 55 games. Defenseman Ryan Suter has piled up points on the Minnesota blueline with 38 points (7G, 31A). Kevin Fiala (35 points), Zach Parise (34 points) and Mats Zuccarello (30 points) round out the 30-point scorers on the Wild so far this season.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Offensive Charge: The Golden Knights have scored 14 goals in their last three games. The six defensemen that have suited up for the Golden Knights in that stretch have combined for 14 points (4G, 10A). Another all-around offensive performance will be important and Minnesota's stingy defense.
Be Hungrier: Head coach Pete DeBoer described Minnesota as a "desperate" team on Monday. Vegas can expect the Wild to be ready from the drop of the puck so grabbing the lead and building on it quickly will help the Golden Knights control the tempo of the game.
