Haula back: Wild forward expected to replace Fontaine in Game 2
Minnesota Wild forward Erik Haula is expected to take injured winger Justin Fontaine's spot in the lineup for Game 2 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Haula will likely center the fourth line with Kyle Brodziak moving to the wing when the second-round series resumes Sunday night.
Fontaine left Game 1 with a lower-body injury and is not expected to play in Game 2.
The Wild are hoping Haula can replicate his playoff success against the Blackhawks from a season ago.
He scored three goals - including a game-winner - and added two assists in six games when Minnesota lost to Chicago in last year's second round.
That output is still fresh in the head coach's mind.
"What it came down to was, No. 1, (his) speed, and No. 2, past performances," Mike Yeo said.
"I'm excited but it's not about me," Haula said after the morning skate. "It's about me helping and us playing as well as we can tonight."
Haula hasn't played since registering an assist in a 4-2 regular-season loss to the St. Louis Blues on April 11.