We'll have to wait an see if Pominville will be available for Game 2.
The Wild left Minnesota yesterday completely confident Pominville would play after practicing yesterday. But Pominville, who missed the regular season’s final two games after being elbowed in the head by Dustin Brown, woke up not feeling well today, I hear. Zenon Konopka will enter the lineup in Pominville's spot.
Pominville, who missed the final two regular-season games after being elbowed in the head by Los Angeles captain Dustin Brown last Tuesday, returned to practice Monday and traveled with the team to Chicago. While coach Mike Yeo wouldn’t definitively say Pominville would return, all signs point to it. Pominville returned to his line with Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Kyle Brodziak, was reinserted on the No. 1 power-play unit and even practiced 5-on-3 situations.
Coach Mike Yeo didn't say definitively if he will be available for Game 1, ... but he's obviously returning, which will deepen the Wild's lines against a Chicago team that isn't afraid to roll four. "[Pominville] looked good in practice today," said Yeo. "He's a big part of our team in a lot of areas. The offenisve threat that he is, smart player, plays in all situations for us, and as much as anything else, the experience that he has in the playoffs and his leadership, obviously he's a big part of our team."
Pominville took a hard elbow to the head from Dustin Brown in the second period last night and did not return. The WIld do not play until Friday so we'll have to wait and see how Pominville progresses in the next few days.
The newly acquired Pominville will enter the lineup for the injured Heatley. Pominville had 10 goals and 15 assists in 37 games with the Sabres this season. He will likely play with Kyle Brodziak and Devin Setoguchi.
This is the update from what I previously posted. The Wild also get a 2014 fourth-round pick and give up a 2013 first-round pick and 2014 second-round pick.
Pominville is in his ninth season in the NHL, all of which have been spent with Buffalo. He was Buffalo's captain and is a good player in both zones. He has 10 goals and 15 assists in 37 games this season. He will be surrounded by a better supporting cast in Minnesota than he was in Buffalo which should boost his fantasy value.
Pominville did not skate this morning but coach Lindy Ruff is confident he will play tonight. In his first year as team captain, the Repentigny, Quebec native has 12 goals and 39 points through 38 games. Expect him to play on the top line and top PP unit.
Only Phil Kessel and Kris Versteeg have been more productive RW in fantasy hockey. The team's newly appointed captain has shown no signs of slowing down.
Expect Pominville to sit pretty on the team's top line, ensuring he hits his usual 20 goals and 50-60 points. Draft accordingly.
Prior to last season, Pominville was one of the healthiest skaters in hockey. Following two unpreventable injuries, Pominville should be able to re-establish himself on a stronger Sabres team. Expect another 20+ goal season from the dependable winger.
Prior to last season, Pominville was one of the healthiest skaters in hockey. Following two unpreventable injuries, Pominville should be able to re-establish himself on a stronger Sabres team. Expect another 20-goal season from the dependable winger.