Kuemper Starting, Prosser a Possibility for Minnesota Wild

Sep 27, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (19) and Minnesota Wild defenseman Nate Prosser (39) battle for the puck during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a different day in Minnesota, or so the NBS Sports Network commentators stated last night in the Wild’s impressive 2-1 victory against the Sabres in Buffalo.

The Minnesota Wild are on a three game win streak–something they’re hoping continues at least for the remainder of their four game road trip. With that in mind, the Wild are expected to give interim starter Josh Harding the night off after garnering the NHL’s Third Star of the Night last night. In his place, former CHL Goaltender of the Year Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper would make his season debut and fourth career NHL start after notching a 1-2-0 record, 2.08 goals against average and .916 save percentage in six career games.

In addition, with a banged up defensive corps, Elk River, Minnesota native Nate Prosser could make his season debut tonight. Matt Dumba is sitting after a rough night against the Sabres, so Marco Scandella will take his place. However, both Clayton Stoner and Keith Ballard are hurting after being elbowed in the face and hit in the face by a puck, respectively. If either one sits, in comes Prosser, and a well deserved chance, to boot. With the doors closing to just a crack on an NHL career in the Red, White and Green, this is his opportunity to prove to himself, the Wild brass and any scouts that may be watching that he can still play in the best league in the world. My gut tells me he’ll get an opportunity–just not in Minnesota.

Be sure to check back for Scott’s recap after tonight’s game.

Follow Dakota Case at Twitter.com/Dakota_case