
Minnesota Wild News


Basically Zuccarello still has some discomfort in his arm and they will allow him to take morning skates off so that he is able to remain in the lineup. Through the first two games of the series, Zuccarello has one goal on one shot.

Johansson will be held out for the second straight game with an illness, which means David Backes will remain in the lineup in Toronto. Johansson is day-to-day and questionable for Game 4.


Zuccarello made a surprise return to the Stars lineup on Tuesday but will be shutdown for the rest of the regular season to ensure that he is ready to go for the playoffs. Zuccarello has one goal and two assists in two games with Dallas so they can only hope he is 100 percent in the postseason.






Eriksson Ek suffered a lower-body injury vs. the Sharks on Tuesday and will not play Thursday vs. the Stars. Head coach Bruce Boudreau said that he “hopes” it doesn’t keep him out for no longer than a week. Luke Kunin will replace Eriksson Ek in the lineup on Thursday.


Just over an hour prior to puck-drop the Blues announced that Tarasenko will not play on Saturday afternoon. Jaden Schwartz will move up to the Blues top line and Zach Sanford will replace him on the third line with Tarasenko out.

Bogosian missed Monday’s game against Edmonton but will play Thursday in Chicago. Bogosian has been held pointless in his last five games and has just 15 points (2G / 13A) in 58 games this season. He will replace Matt Hunwick.

Johansson underwent evaluation at Massachusetts General Hospital after leaving Tuesday’s game vs. the Hurricanes and was diagnosed with a lung contusion. Johansson will be re-evaluated in one week. Peter Cehlarik will move onto the second line on Thursday with Johansson sidelined.

Johansson was acquired from the Devils on Monday and will skate on the second line with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk in his debut. Johansson will likely see some power-play time as well, putting him in an opportunity to succeed right away.

Hartman was acquired from the Predators in the Wayne Simmonds deal on Monday and is expected to slide in for Simmonds on the third line on Tuesday.

The Stars confirmed what was originally feared, a broken arm that will require surgery and cost him at least one month. This is a horrible break for the Stars, who paid a premium to acquire Zuccarello from the Rangers. However, if they can stay afloat in the Western Conference playoff race, Zuccarello should be available for some meaningful games down the stretch and ultimately the playoffs, should they make it.

