Don't get your hopes up with Pierre-Marc Bouchard. He's still a ways away from playing. He's still wearing the yellow, do-not-even-think-of-breathing-on-me practice jersey.
But Andrew Brunette missed today's practice with a hip flexor, so that afforded Bouchard the chance to take shifts on the top line of Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen. He looked good, too, but still no plans yet on when he'll begin taking contact in practice.
As for Brunette, I wouldn't worry. This is a guy who played virtually the entire second half of the 2008-09 season with a torn ACL and 80 games for the year, and returned to play all 82 games last season. This is a guy who's played 82 games in six of the last seven years. I'm going to go out on a limb and guarantee that Brunette's not missing the home opener because of a hip problem.
Don't know it for sure, but it's Andrew Brunette.
Defenseman Marek Zidlicky (groin) did practice today, although he left a bit early. Lines were normal in practice today. Guillaume Latendresse did take a few shifts late with Matt Cullen and Marty Havlat, but Cal Clutterbuck was mostly on that line.
Very long, teaching practice today with coach Todd Richards loudly doing instructionals.
Russo Radio tonight on 1500 ESPN at 5 p.m. I'll also be hosting the 6-8 p.m. show Wednesday night on 1500 ESPN. Lots of cool guests will be on, including the Wild's Matt Cullen, so we'll be previewing the home opener and make it a largely hockeycentric show. So be sure to call in tomorrow night.
Speaking of Opening Night, here's a look at the festivities.
