With some time between games and wanting his players to feel refreshed, Wild coach John Torchetti opted for an optional skate today at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.

It was sparsely attended.

In all, nine players. The list includes goaltender Darcy Kuemper along with skaters Ryan Carter, Justin Fontaine, Zac Dalpe, Matt Dumba, Marco Scandella, Christian Folin, Jordan Schroeder and Thomas Vanek.

Well, make that 8½. Vanek, who was cross-checked in the ribs by Chicago's Viktor Svedberg March 29, took the ice early in the practice, skated for a few minutes, then left the ice for good. While still listed as day-to-day Vanek – who has appeared in just one game since – appears to be struggling to regain full health. "Today wasn't a good result for him," Torchetti said. "So we'll have to wait and see. The healing could take a day, it could take three. It could take another seven. ''

Other notes from today:

--So Vanek does not appear likely to play in Saturday's regular season finale. Torchetti was asked about his philosophy when it comes to a final regular season game that means nothing in the standings.

On the one hand, he said he'd like to play most of his players. "Probably the most successful team in the NFL is the [New England] Patriots,'' he said. "They play everybody in the last game of the year.''

That said, Torchetti also pledged to give any player suffering from bumps and bruises the game off. "It would be better off for them," Torchetti said. "And then be ready for the playoffs, going in healthy.''

--Torchetti did say he felt it was necessary for goaltender Devan Dubnyk to get some playing time in vs. Calgary Saturday to stay sharp. "Yes, I think so,'' Torchetti said.

Last year coach Mike Yeo, his team having clinched its playoff position, started Dubnyk but sat him after two periods.

--Ultimately, Torchetti said he thinks giving his team an off day, then an optional practice should bear fruit going forward. "I think the rest will help the guys out a lot,'' he said. "It will bring a little more energy, a little more pace to our game, clear our minds a little bit.''