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Zidlicky returns to lineup; Koivu out; No discipline for Clutterbuck; Peters suspended

The unhappy defenseman is back in the lineup against the Bruins

February 19, 2012 at 9:24PM
Marek Zidlicky
Marek Zidlicky (Joel Koyama — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Update: Warren Peters is suspended one game.

Captain Mikko Koivu will miss his second consecutive game with an undisclosed injury this afternoon when the Wild hosts the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins at 2:30 p.m. on NBC.

Defenseman Marek Zidlicky, scratched the previous two games, will return to the lineup and Justin Falk will be scratched.

"The execution from our back end last game wasn't good enough, and that's what he's here for," coach Mike Yeo explained as to why he's reinserting Zidlicky, whom he is ticked with for his desire to leave Minnesota via trade. "We're hoping he can help us with that.

"I'm expecting him to come out and play like he wants to be part of the team."

Yeo said Zidlicky says his focus will be there.

Warren Peters has a 1 p.m. hearing with the NHL after cross-checking St. Louis captain David Backes in the side of the head yesterday. He will likely be suspended. If he doesn't play, Chad Rau has been recalled and will play.

Cal Clutterbuck was not suspended for his head shot on Alex Pietrangelo. A league source said the reason was Clutterbuck launched across and into a player that's reaching down for a puck simultaneous to the hit, that Clutterbuck didn't launch "up" into the head.

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Niklas Backstrom in the cage I'm assuming, although I didn't even think of asking. I'll update when Peters decision is made. I'm told to expect a quick decision from the league.

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