Busy schedule leaves new Wild coach little time to reflect on his NHL debut

By RACHEL BLOUNT, Star Tribune

Last update: October 2, 2009 - 1:05 AM

Since Todd Richards was hired by the Wild in mid-June, he has been so busy that he didn't have time to get nervous about his NHL debut as a head coach. He suspects that might happen tonight, when he has the opportunity to reflect on his milestone in a quiet hotel room in Columbus, Ohio.

Like so many other big days, Saturday's season opener against the Blue Jackets seems as if took ages to arrive. Now that it's upon him, he said, the butterflies are likely to flutter.

"It seems like I haven't had time to stop and think about it too much, with everything that's going on in my life,'' Richards said. "Tonight, when I have a little time alone, I'm sure I'll start thinking about it.''

Richards continued Thursday to make every preseason moment count. He led a lively, 75-minute practice preceded by a video session, and he plans another busy workout today.

"[Friday] is a day we can use to get better, and that's the way we have to approach things,'' he said. "We've got to do a better job going to the net, defending in front of our net and creating offensive chances.''

Big shift

With enforcer Derek Boogaard on injured reserve, Richards is searching for ways to replace his presence. Thursday, he used 6-8 defenseman John Scott at forward.

"We're trying different things out,'' Richards said. "Right now, we're missing a key element up front. With Boogaard out for we don't know how long, we've got John up there to fulfill that role, to have some size and grit up there.''

Etc.

• Owen Nolan, who sat out Wednesday's practice with a sore hand, returned to the ice Thursday. Though the forward left practice early, Richards said Nolan will be ready for Saturday's opener.

• Pierre-Marc Bouchard said he is feeling better, but he still has not fully recovered from the headaches and fatigue that have troubled him for the past several days. The center has been able to practice all week, and his symptoms are not expected to keep him out of Saturday's lineup. Richards said he doesn't have "the full go'' yet with forward Benoit Pouliot (groin injury), but Pouliot has practiced this week and said he feels good.

• Forward Andy Hilbert, signed to a two-way contract Wednesday, cleared waivers and was officially assigned to the Wild's AHL affiliate in Houston.