Wild: Status unclear for Slovakian duo

By Kent Youngblood, Star Tribune

Last update: November 7, 2007 - 7:21 PM

When it comes to injuries, Wild coach Jacques Lemaire prefers pessimism. Which is why he is keeping himself from being confident that Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra -- both recovering from groin injuries -- will be able to return to action after the Wild's five-day schedule break.

"I can't be excited now and then very disappointed ... if they're not playing," he said after overseeing a practice for just a handful of players Wednesday. "I start to think maybe they won't be there, so I'll be happy when they get there."

So when will they get there? Their official status remains day-to-day. Both got treatment Wednesday. Lemaire said Gaborik was planning to do some skating today.

Those injuries, coupled with Wes Walz not being with the team while dealing with a personal situation, forced Lemaire to play defenseman Petteri Nummelin on a wing in the Wild's victory over Edmonton Monday.

"Marian will go on the ice [today], and see how it feels," Lemaire said.

The good news is that Dominic Moore, who practiced hard Wednesday, is set to return when the Wild plays at Colorado Sunday.

Still waiting

It has been eight days now since Walz last practiced and the team still has not heard from him. Walz has been excused from the team for personal reasons.

Lemaire sounded Wednesday like a man who would like his veteran center back.

"He's a very mature person, and he knows what he has to do to perform and play the best he can play ... " Lemaire said. "I know he always wanted to play better. I thought myself, the last game he played, he played one of his best games. And the following day he's not there. So I'm wondering what's going on."

Lemaire said Walz is missed for more than what happens in games.

"I miss what he brings in practice, what he brings in games," Lemaire said. "He is a person, a player, who is really determined and works his butt off to be the best he can be, every day. And you know, he was so fun to be around. ... We'll wait as long as it takes."

Schedule logic

Lemaire and his staff have put a good bit of thought into how to handle the rare five-day break between games.

The plan: Everyone was given Tuesday off. Some players Lemaire felt needed extra skating practiced Wednesday. Some others were required only to lift weights. Players Lemaire felt had been playing too many minutes because of injuries -- players such as Mikko Koivu and Brian Rolston -- were not required to do anything.

There will be another optional practice today, then a full team workout Friday.

Etc.

• Lemaire was so impressed with Nummelin's play at wing that he intends to play him there on power plays. He'll get regular shifts there as well if the Wild's injury problems persist.

Kent Youngblood • kyoungblood@startribune.com