Tuesday night update: Got a few emails from folks who know Danny Irmen. Appears as if he's the callup. No confirmation though from the Wild. We'll find out in the morning. But if he's the callup, I'd suspect he's here to make his NHL debut. Wild needs to secure every ounce of cap space, so if he's up, I'd assume it's to play.
Bonjour.
Wild opens a four-game homestand Wednesday night against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Wild still trying to avoid its first non-sellout in history, and normally Phoenix is a sure 'W.' But lots of good young talent on the Coyotes, and a sensational coach in Dave Tippett.
Wild has won nine of its past 10 against Phoenix, seven in a row at home. During the home winning streak, the Wild has NEVER trailed to Phoenix.
Just talked with Rachel Blount, who covered practice. Here's your injury update: Benoit Pouliot, Chuck Kobasew and Petr Sykora are all out against the Coyote. None of them practiced, although Pouliot and Kobasew skated beforehand.
Sykora had a setback working out last week, meaning he got concussion-like symptoms. When that happens, you have to be shut down. He's feeling better and will try to get back on the bike and into the workout room this week.
The Wild may call up a forward today. However, I don't expect an announcement until tonight or the morning.
The Wild's trying to save every piece of salary-cap space available, and since the cap is technically added per day, it makes no sense to call up a player until after 4 p.m. CST (end of a day in the NHL).