Greetings from Xcel Energy Center. Kent Youngblood here, filling in for the day for Mr. Russo, who is off in search of the perfect cup of coffee.
The Wild's practice has just begun. Matt Cooke, who has missed 20 games with a hip flexor injury, is back on the ice. It appears Jared Spurgeon, who was sick in Arizone, is still ailing.
Meanwhile, the Wild announced a couple of moves this morning. The team has recalled forward Brett Sutter from the Iowa Wild and has placed defenseman Keith Ballard and forward Ryan Carter on injured reserve, both with upper body injuries.
We all know that Ballard has been out with a concussion and facial fractures after being hit into the boards by New York Islanders winger Matt Martin Dec. 9. I will ask coach Yeo after practice when Ryan Carter was hurt.
Sutter has 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 26 games in Iowa this season. He has two goals and five assists in 54 career NHL games.
That's about it for now. I'll get back to you after practice is over.
defenseman Keith Ballard will be out indefinitely with a concussion and multiple facial fractures after being hit into the boards by New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin on Tuesday.
He had been taken taken
