(UPDATED)
Wild coach Todd Richards and defenseman Marek Zidlicky had a long huddle on the ice during the tail end of the morning skate.
Afterward, both pronounced Zidlicky a "gametime decision" to play against the Ducks. I've got to think now that means he's in. He's bee n practicing and skating, so what could really happen in warmups to make him suddenly think he's not ready?
Zidlicky said his shot is as good as before he got hurt. Full range of motion, strength. The big question is how does he handle the first big hit? As he said, at some point he's got to find out because that's not going to happen in practice.
He's battled, he's taken contact. But Cal Clutterbuck's not about to line him up and see if his shoulder is good.
"I'm doing everything like it's a gameday," Zidlicky said. "I pushed myself hard today."
If Zidlicky plays, coach Todd Richards indicated he'd go with seven defensemen. That likely means Brad Staubitz would sit.
"That's our thought," Richards said of playing 7 D. "Just protect him. Conditioning wise, we don't where he's at. Physical-wise, we don't know where he's at. ... Who's to say he doesn't reinjure it, reaggravate it? Hopefully everything goes fine and it's nothing we have to worry about. But we have to protect ourselves."