2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Minnesota Wild’s Jason Pominville Back at Practice

Apr 9, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville (29) looks on during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

According to Star Tribune beat writer Michael Russo, former Sabres captain Jason Pominville is participating in today’s Minnesota Wild team practice.

Minnesota is going to need this line to be at their very best against a four-lines-deep Chicago Blackhawks squad. Pominville posted nine points in 10 games for Minnesota, including four multi-point games. If he’s feeling good, this could be a huge shift of momentum in the Wild’s favor.

Russo also indicated that Mike Rupp was skating with Torrey Mitchell and Cal Clutterbuck on the fourth line, meaning Zenon Konopka will be spending time in the press box. There is a lot to like about this line. Mitchell can give Jason Zucker a run for his money when it comes to speed and isn’t afraid to lay a big hit or two. Clutterbuck is a hitting machine and can also chip in a goal here or there. Rupp brings the element of size to his game and uses it well. This should be a very energizing line for Minnesota and will do well against Chicago’s top line of Brandon Saad, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa.

As reported earlier, defenseman Marco Scandella has been recalled from Houston and has immediately been partnered with Jared Spurgeon. With Minnesota’s bottom pairing appearing to be made up of Clayton Stoner and Tom Gilbert, it looks like Justin Falk, Brett Clark and Nate Prosser are the guys on the outside looking in at this point.