The Minnesota Wild’s misfortune could prove to the Avalanche’s benefit
Sunday at the Pepsi Center.
The first-place Wild’s arguably two best players, forward Marian
Gaborik and goalie Nicklas Backstrom, both were injured in Saturday’s
practice in Denver and won’t play against the Avs.
Both players suffered groin injuries, the Wild said. Gaborik is
considered by many one of the 10 best forwards in the NHL, but has
suffered from repeated previous groin problems. Backstrom was in the
early stages of a standout season.
The Avs go into Sunday’s game with some injuries as well: Forward
Milan Hejduk won’t play until Thursday because of lingering back pain,
and defenseman Jordan Leopold is out two months with a fractured
wrist.
The Wild’s Pavol Demitra, another high-scorer, also is out with a groin injury.
