Russo update: Jed Ortmeyer recalled with Chuck Kobasew ill.

Greetings. Youngblood here, with Russo headed out to his roots out East.

The Wild practiced today before boarding a plane. Not practicing were Gui Latendresse, Cam Barker and, of course, Mikko Koivu.

That out-of-action list grew by the end of practice when Chuck Kobasew left the ice early. Coach Todd Richards said Kobasew was sick and headed to the doctor. It could be he got what Kyle Brodziak had last week. In any event, Kobasew did not make the trip with the team and a player will be called up from Houston and will meet the Wild in new York in time for tomorrow's game vs. the Islanders.

In other injury news:

--Latendresse, who had a setback a few days ago, did not skate Tuesday.

-Barker (upper body) did skate and was described by Richards as "feeling better." He didn't make the trip either.

--Word is that everything went well with Koivu's visit to the doctor Monday. Richards said Koivu now has a cast on the broken finger, which will protect the hand should Koivu fall. So Koivu skated on his own for the first time Tuesday.

Richards did not reveal who would start in goal Wednesday for the Wild, but you can bet both goalies will get action in the back-to-back against the Islanders and Rangers.

In other news:

--Patrick O'Sullivan, who had 18 points in 12 games for Houston (9-9--18) was named the AHL player of the month for February.

--Barker and Fox Sports North broadcasters Mike Greenlay and Kevin Gorg will participate in a Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics on Saturday, March 5 at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. Barker will take part in a post-plunge meet and greet event at Stella's Fish Cafe at 1400 W. Lake Street from 2-3 p.m.

To donate to Barker's team, you can visit this web site:

www.plungemn.org/index.php?page=plunger&name=cambarker.

That's about it for now. Have a good day.