Brodin, Granlund, Zucker, Backstrom out; Graovac, Sutter recalled

Wild defenseman Marco Scandella said that in tough times, the key to avoiding self-pity is to have a short memory. His team took that slogan to heart Sunday, bringing a cheerful mood and a strong work ethic to a morning practice at Xcel Energy Center.

The Wild's numbers were further reduced Sunday, thanks to norovirus and injury. Defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Mikael Granlund, both injured in the third period during Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to Winnipeg, did not practice and will not travel to Winnipeg for Monday's rematch. Granlund was placed on injured reserve, meaning he will have to sit out at least one week. Winger Jason Zucker and goalie Niklas Backstrom, still feeling the effects of a stomach bug, also did not practice and won't be on the trip.

Forwards Tyler Graovac and Brett Sutter were recalled from Iowa late Sunday afternoon to help fill a roster that had dwindled to 11 forwards and six defensemen. Graovac, 21, leads Iowa with 12 goals and is tied for the team lead with 24 points; he would make his NHL debut if he plays Monday. A seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft, he will wear No. 53. In September, Wild GM Chuck Fletcher called Graovac--a skilled, 6-4 center who is strong on his skates--the most improved player in the Wild organization.

Sutter, 27, had one assist and two penalties in two games with the Wild earlier this season.

Defenseman Justin Falk was sent back to Iowa on Sunday morning. He finished minus-1 in 9:44 of ice time Saturday and lost the puck just before Winnipeg scored the winning goal.

Yeo said he didn't have any further information on the severity of the Granlund/Brodin upper body injuries or any indication of how long they might be out. He expects to know more tomorrow.

The line combinations Sunday were Parise-Koivu-Pominville; Niederreiter-Coyle-Vanek; Cooke-Haula-Fontaine; and Carter-Brodziak-Fontaine.

Expect Kuemper to get the start Monday at Winnipeg. He did follow his coach's instructions and unplug his brain from hockey during the three-day Christmas break, returning home to Saskatchewan for some family time.

"I think that was good for everybody," Kuemper said. "When things aren't going well, they can wear on you a bit. It's good to get your mind off things and come back refreshed."

In looking at his decimated lineup, Yeo said he expects Nate Prosser to be able to fill in for Brodin--particularly in the Winnipeg rematch, which should be another hard-hitting game. It will be harder to make up for Granlund's absence.

"When you look at what we're losing, it's difficult to replace that," Yeo said. "We're losing a skilled centerman, a guy that's playing an important role offensively but also is able to contribute to the defensive part of the game as well in his own zone. We have to look at what we're losing and try to fill those voids. Looking at the back end, we do have a guy like Nate Prosser who's here, who has been in the lineup, who can fill in for us."

Yeo also praised his team for its good spirits Sunday after a difficult defeat that extended its winless streak to five games. He and the players reiterated after practice that they felt Saturday's game was a step forward, despite the outcome.