Konopka returns tonight for the Wild as Flames vow to be more physical

Zenon Konopka, a healthy scratch the past two games, will return to the lineup tonight when the Wild visits the Calgary Flames on Hockey Night in Canada (9 p.m. CT start).

The Flames, who have lost three of four, have been talking the last few days about being more physical. Coach Bob Hartley called out his team for not sticking up for goaltender Joey MacDonald (tonight's starter) when he was bowled over by Los Angeles' Trevor Lewis the other night.

The Flames also called up 6-foot-4 Akim Aliu for his season debut. He has 80 penalty minutes for AHL Abbotsford and 12 penalty minutes in two NHL games.

Mikael Granlund will come out of the lineup for Konopka, so the anticipated lines are:

Zach Parise-Mikko Koivu-Dany Heatley

Jason Zucker-Matt Cullen-Devin Setoguchi

Pierre-Marc Bouchard-Kyle Brodziak-Charlie Coyle

Ryan Suter-Jonas Brodin

Clayton Stoner-Tom Gilbert

Nate Prosser-Jared Spurgeon

Niklas Backstrom

The Wild's power play is 3 for 32 the past 11 games. Coach Mike Yeo said the team will make some adjustments tonight to be less stationary and get more of a net-front presence. Sounds like Coyle will replace Granlund on the second unit.

The Flames also host Phoenix tomorrow before visiting the Wild on Tuesday.