[SBN Wild blog - Hockey Wilderness]
After last night's ridiculous come-from-behind win over the Blue Jackets, the Penguins return home tonight for the second half of the back-to-back to host the Wild.
Despite edging out the extra point in the shootout, the Pens weren't the only team to come up big last night. The Wild also beat the Rangers 3-2, as former Pen Petr Sykora picked up the first goal of the game (second of the season). Sykie was a healthy scratch against the Predators Wednesday night, so I guess he got the hint. I always get a little edgy when former Penguins come to play at Mellon again and Sykora is no exception.
Niklas Backstrom was in net against New York, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he also got the nod again tonight. So far this season Backstrom's 4-7, while backup goaltender Josh Harding is 0-2. Given the Pens' record and scoring prowess, all indications would suggest Backstrom starts against Pittsburgh.
Martin Havlat joined rank in Minnesota this offseason but hasn't exactly been off to the sort of start Wild fans had hoped for. Havlat picked up an assist last night against the Rangers, his first point in eight games, and increased his point total to an underwhelming six (1g, 5a).
Other names you want to keep an eye on around the Wild: Mikko Koivu (3g, 9a), Andrew Brunette (7g, 4a) and Eric Belanger (3g, 8a). All three picked up a point or more against the Rangers.
Puck and thread drop at 7:30.