Sports
Wild’s Mats Zuccarello, Yakov Trenin back from injuries for Game 5 vs. Stars
DALLAS — Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin are returning to the Minnesota Wild lineup on Tuesday night for Game 5 of the team’s first-round series against the Dallas Stars.
Zuccarello missed the past three games after being elbowed in the face by Stars defenseman Tyler Myers in Game 1. Trenin, the NHL’s regular-season hits leader, sustained an upper-body injury when he was checked in open ice by Stars forward Colin Blackwell in Game 2.
Zuccarello was back on his top-line right wing spot with Kirill Kaprizov and Ryan Hartman for warmups on Tuesday, and Trenin was on the fourth line with Marcus and Nick Foligno, who was serving as the center. Michael McCarron was centering a third line flanked by Vladimir Tarasenko and Bobby Brink.
Nico Sturm and Danila Yurov are scratched to make room for the returns. Sturm was part of a solid fourth line with McCarron and Marcus Foligno in Game 4 and assisted on Foligno’s game-tying goal late in the third period of an eventual overtime win. Yurov admitted during a meeting with John Hynes on Tuesday morning that he has been caught off guard by how different the regular season is compared to the playoffs.
“I think Yurov’s been good,” Hynes said. “First playoff experience, he’s come in, he’s played well. I just think it’s like everything he’s done this year, he gets these new experiences. I think he learns on the fly pretty quick. Just, even, I talked to him this morning, actually, just about how he was doing and what he was thinking, and he said it’s different than the regular season. It’s not as creative plays. It’s a lot of battles. Less time and space. The game is more basic.
“He’s learning those things too on the fly, which has been good, and that’s him. He’s a really smart kid, and he’s able to adjust and adapt as needed.”
The Wild are hoping Zuccarello’s return can help unleash Kaprizov, who hasn’t scored a goal since Game 1, and the power play, which is 1-for-15 in three games without its best playmaker.
The Stars will be without Nils Lundkvist, after the steady No. 4 defenseman took a McCarron skate to the face in the second period of Game 3. Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan called it “a very deep cut” and said, “There’s a little bit of something else going on.” His status for Game 6 is in question, too. Gulutzan also said top Stars center Roope Hintz will miss Games 5 and 6, if not the whole series.
To replace Lundkvist, Gulutzan chose Ilya Lyubushkin over Alex Petrovic and Kyle Capobianco. Lyubushkin had a goal and eight assists in 53 games during the regular season. Lyubushkin was a regular down the stretch but hasn’t played since the season finale in Buffalo on April 15.
“You’re a professional athlete — you have to be ready no matter what, always,” Lyubushkin said before the game. “Is it difficult? It’s not difficult. You just have to jump in the game and play.”
>
Sports
How to watch Mets vs. Nationals: TV channel and streaming options for September 27
Find out how to watch the New York Mets play the Washington Nationals, with time, TV channel and streaming information.
>
Sports
After 161 games, it all comes down to the Phillies' rotation — like it has all season
Now, as the Phillies have said all week, it is time to turn the page. This could be their last chance to do so.
>
Sports
If Arch Manning and Texas’ offense can come close to Colin Simmons and the defense, watch out
Can a team with a dominant defense, the most unblockable player in the sport and a good quarterback win it all?
>
-
movies4 months agoSearch For Canadian TV Actor Stewart McLean Now Homicide Investigation
-
Fashion9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Fashion9 years agoAccording to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Fashion9 years agoModel Jocelyn Chew’s Instagram is the best vacation you’ve ever had
-
Fashion9 years agoEmily Ratajkowski channels back-to-school style
-
Fashion9 years ago9 Celebrities who have spoken out about being photoshopped
-
Anime4 months agoRurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido Arc Manga Takes 1-Issue Break – News
-
Anime3 months agoHIDIVE to Stream English Dubs for The World Is Dancing, The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie Anime – News
