6 p.m. at Washington FSN/NHLN, 100.3-FM
Next up is a nemesis: the Capitals
Preview: Following a 1-3-1 homestand that stalled its drive for a playoff spot, the Wild returns to the road, where it is 19-15-2 this season. It has not fared well in Washington, winning only twice in 11 tries. The Wild has an eight-game winless streak against the Capitals dating to 2015, an 0-7-1 stretch that includes a 5-2 loss on Nov. 13 at Xcel Energy Center.
Players to watch: Wild F Eric Staal has 74 points in 77 games against Washington, his most points against any NHL team. His 20 goals this season include a team-high six game-winners. Capitals F Alex Ovechkin leads the NHL with 48 goals, while D John Carlson has 65 points, fourth-most among the league's defensemen.
Numbers: The Capitals are 7-1-2 in their past 10 home games. Since Dec. 29, the Wild is 12-5-2 on the road; its 26 road points are tied for third-most in the NHL in that span.
Injuries: Wild F Mikko Koivu (knee surgery), F Joel Eriksson Ek (lower-body injury) and D Matt Dumba (torn pectoral muscle) are out. Washington D Michal Kempny (lower-body injury) is day-to-day.
RACHEL BLOUNT
