Good afternoon from San Jose, where I am sitting out on a patio in brilliant weather staring off into the brilliant green hills in the distance.
It's a heckuva day out here in Northern California.
I've got to remain impartial, but selfishly, I may have to start rooting for the Wild to get that seventh or eighth seed if it'll mean a first-round matchup and return trip to this great city for me.
And it is all about me.
Cowboy Owen Nolan, who was sure he broke a bone in his hand the other night when be blocked a Kyle Cumiskey shot with 3 1/2 minutes left, will play tonight. He said it feels much better -- looks a little ugly -- and it's just a bone bruise. What was amazing about Nolan's play -- instead of sprinting to trainer Don Fuller with tears in his eyes like I would have done, Nolan stayed out the rest of the shift trying to block shots and help goalie Josh Harding preserve the 1-0 shutout.
It says everything you need to know about the guy and why you can bet some playoff contenders will be calling GM Chuck Fletcher to see his status near the trade deadline. But if the Wild's still in contention, I'm starting to doubt that Fletcher would just trade Nolan away for a mid-round pick or something. The reason being is that warrior mentality that makes Nolan such a playoff performer (just look at his series for Calgary a few years ago) would be exactly the type of thing the Wild would need, too.
So only way I think Nolan gets moved is if the playoffs at the deadline look out of the question for the Wild or another team offers Fletcher true value that makes it tough for Fletcher to say no.
Harding will start tonight despite his bum hip. Coach Todd Richards says he's "fine" and looked "strong" in the morning skate. Niklas Backstrom will not be at the arena, but not because of his back. Richards says his back is feeling better, but now, he's sick.