The Wild will host the Red Wings at 5 p.m. in front of a soldout crowd at Xcel Energy Center.
Forwards Zenon Konopka and Pierre-Marc Bouchard won't play for the Wild, as won't defenseman Justin Falk. Bouchard and Falk are sick, although coach Mike Yeo said Bouchard is feeling a little better.
Yeo said Konopka was scratched primarily for numbers reasons and "this is for tonight." But Yeo also admitted he didn't like Konopka's penalty on Greg Zanon Thursday against Colorado. The minor resulted in Milan Hejduk's go-ahead, power-play goal in the second period.
Johan Larsson will make his NHL debut. Jason Zucker will make his season debut.
"These guys are two guys we've been anxious to watch for quite some time," Yeo said. "They've been doing a great job. ... [Zucker], we feel he can provide some speed and scoring ability. Lars is the kind of guy that can help us generate momentum and be a guy that is real tough to play against as far as getting to the offensive zone, being strong on the puck, winning battles, being good defensively. We like the play that he plays the game."
Darcy Kuemper gets the start. Niklas Backstrom will back up but has the flu, says Chuck Fletcher
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