The Minnesota Wild had a tough first two games against the Colorado Avalanche, and now find themselves down 0-2 in the second-round series. The switch between Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson didn't make much of a difference.
If the Wild could take solace in anything, it's that they were heading back to home ice for Games 3 and 4. But they also had an extended break, with Game 3 taking place on Saturday, after playing Game 2 back on Tuesday. As it turns out, that extended break could not have come at a better time.
During practice on Friday, winger Mats Zuccarello was absent due to being sick. But also on the ice was center Joel Eriksson Ek, who hadn't played since Game 6 against the Dallas Stars, due to a lower body injury. Head coach John Hynes says he's hopeful that both can pay in Game 3 on Saturday.
Hynes says Zuccarello is sick and he expects him to play. Eriksson Ek has a chance to play tomorrow. Plan was for him to skate for first time before practice and be limited in practice. They’ll trust Eriksson Ek and if he thinks he can get through the game
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 8, 2026
John Hynes hopeful Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello can play in Game 3
Regarding Eriksson Ek, it's important to note that he was not a part of line rushes during practice on Friday. But, Hynes is putting his trust in Eriksson Ek to determine whether he will play or not. Simply put, if he's up for it, he'll play in Game 3.
Not having Eriksson Ek in this series has been tough for the Wild, as not only does he have three goals and two assists through the six games he played, but he is one of their best centers in the face-off circle. In the regular season, Eriksson Ek had 681 face-off wins, the most on the team by a significant margin. In the playoffs, Eriksson Ek led the team with 84 face-off wins.
As for Zuccarello, they really can't afford to have him miss any time in this series. Let's not forget that he missed most of the first round after taking a hit to the head. Once he returned in Game 5, he helped revitalize the offense, as he put up two goals and two assists in the past four games.
Besides the extended rest opening the doors for Erikssson Ek and Zuccarello to play in Game 3, there is also the possibility that this gives Wallstedt or Gustavsson to clear their minds and have a fresh start in Game 3. Hynes said at practice that he has his starter in mind, but he's not ready to announce it yet.
We'll see if the extended break works out for the Wild. They need a win, desperately, on Saturday.
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