Minnesota at Vancouver

Minnesota is in third place in the rugged Central division, #11 in the NHL in goals scored, #13 on the power play, sixth in penalty killing and number one in the league in goals allowed. They are playing well at 2-0-2 the last four games, while getting at least one point in three straight road games. They face a Vancouver team with nothing but problems. The Canucks are on a nine-game winless streak (0-8-1) and getting younger with talented veterans getting injured. Vancouver just lost defenseman Alex Edler, out four-to-six weeks after breaking his index finger while blocking a shot Saturday. Edler's injury means that Vancouver will be without him and fellow veteran Chris Tanev for an extended period. Vancouver is #29 in the NHL in goals scored, #26 on the power play and #25 in goals allowed. The Canucks are 16-36 against a team with a winning record, plus 8-20 versus the Central division. And the Wild have won 8 of the last 11 meetings. Back Minnesota.