Good early evening. The Wild didn't practice Tuesday, but it'll be on the ice Wednesday before departing for Dallas, and that's when we'll find out if Erik Haula practices. Early guess is he will.
The Stars practiced in Dallas today and the only news is Tyler Seguin skated again and reportedly looked better to coach Lindy Ruff. We'll see if he's on a regular line Wednesday. If he is, you can be certain he'll be in the lineup for Game 1. Also, defenseman Alex Goligoski didn't practice today because he's sick.
In Wednesday's Star Tribune, I wrote a feature on Stars captain Jamie Benn, Kent Youngblood write a profile on Haula and I wrote a story on the Wild's desperate need for Jason Zucker and Charlie Coyle to start producing.
Reminder, Thursday at 3 p.m., I will be hosting a live chat on startribune.com/wild.
If you didn't hear, Ottawa fired coach Dave Cameron today. I'd think Mike Yeo will be a candidate for that gig. He hails from Ontario, has experience, led the Wild to three straight postseasons, won a Cup with Pittsburgh and should get a heck of a recommendation from Wild GM Chuck Fletcher, who is tight with his former mentor, Bryan Murray.
Also, Minnesota natives Kieffer Bellows ranked 10th among North American skaters on the Central Scouting final rankings for this June's draft, Riley Tufte 17th.
From the Wild press release:
The Minnesota Wild today announced it will host a lunch-time pep rally ahead of Game 1 and a viewing party at Xcel Energy Center for Game 2, so fans can gather and cheer on the Wild in the First Round of the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Minnesota Wild will take on the Dallas Stars for Games 1 and 2 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Game 1 is set for Thursday, April 14 at 8:30 p.m. CT and Game 2 will take place Saturday, April 16 at 7 p.m. CT.
The Wild Pep Rally will be held from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at Mears Park in downtown Saint Paul, and will include a short program featuring Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Wild Radio Host Kevin Falness and Wild arena host Rusty Kath.
The first 250 fans will receive a free grilled hot dog or hamburger along with chips and a beverage. Thereafter, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and beverages will be available to purchase until 1 p.m. or while supplies last. SuperMom's Cookies will be provided compliments of 2016 Wild playoff presenting partner SuperAmerica. In addition to lunch, the pep rally will feature Wild playoff merchandise and music. In the event of inclement weather, the pep rally will be cancelled.
On Saturday, April 16, the Wild will host a free viewing party of the Wild-Stars Game 2 telecast on the HD LED centerhung videoboard at Xcel Energy Center. Gates 1 and 2 will open at 6 p.m. The first 500 fans will receive an official playoff rally towel. Concessions will be available. Fans are encouraged make a cash donation upon entry to benefit Matt Olson, the Isanti, Minn., native who recently suffered a severe spinal cord injury playing hockey.
