The Minnesota Wild return home for Game 3 of their second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche, looking to shift momentum after dropping the first two games on the road.
Injuries have remained a central storyline for the Wild, with top-line center Joel Eriksson Ek missing both games to open the Western Conference semifinal series after appearing in all six first-round games against the Dallas Stars.
The 29-year-old returned to practice on Friday, creating some buzz about his potential return to the lineup in time for Saturday’s matchup.
Wild head coach John Hynes indicated that Eriksson Ek “looked good out there,” adding that his time on the ice was “certainly encouraging,” leaving the door open for his availability in Game 3.
“Is he definitely going to play? I don’t know that,” Hynes said. ”Is he a potential? There’s a potential. There’s a chance he can play. I won’t know probably until game time (Saturday).”
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) celebrates a goal.Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
However, Erikson Ek’s outlook shifted on game day, with The Athletic’s Michael Russo reporting that Minnesota’s top-line center has been ruled out for Game 3.
“Eriksson Ek is day to day but out tonight,” Russo reported. “No goalie announcement. Bogosian in for Petry. Zuccarello (is) good to go.”
The update confirmed that Minnesota will again be without one of its best forwards and outright top center, as it tries to avoid falling into an insurmountable 3-0 series hole.
Eriksson Ek scored 19 goals and had 51 points in 70 regular-season games and added five points in six first-round appearances against the Stars. He averaged 19:05 time on ice in the regular season, and he’s at an even larger 23:44 TOI in the playoffs.
Russo also reported lineup adjustments tied to Erikson Ek’s absence.
“Daemon Hunt will be paired with Jared Spurgeon tonight at even strength. Jake Middleton with Zach Bogosian,” Russo reported. “Middleton and Brock Faber were split last game on PK, and (it) sounds like that’ll continue, so Middleton with Spurgeon there.”
Minnesota enters Game 3, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, having been outscored 14-8 across the first two games.
Related: Wild’s Top Forward Ruled Out for Game 3 vs. Avalanche
Related: Wild’s Top Forward Ruled Out for Game 3 vs. Avalanche
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
