Dubnyk won't travel west with Wild
The good news: Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk practiced Thursday for the first time since suffering a mild groin strain last week.
The bad news: Dubnyk won't travel west with the club for games Friday and Saturday against the Arizona Coyotes and San Jose Sharks. The club was originally hopeful Dubnyk would start one of those games.
Dubnyk: "Just the way the road trip is set up, not a lot of practice time, so just didn't make sense to go...no setbacks." #mnwild
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 10, 2015
Darcy Kuemper will get the nod between the pipes.
"Same approach," the backup said. "It's a good opportunity, just come ready to play and do my best to help the team get two points."
The Wild are 14-7-5 and sit fourth in the Central Division, but have two games in hand on the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, who they trail by one and three points, respectively.
Minnesota's 4-4-4 on the road.
More good news: Dubnyk, who was on baby watch last week, as well, is a father again.
Dubnyk on the new baby: "He's great. Everybody is healthy and happy. Jen was amazing. He's good. He's coming home today." #mnwild
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 10, 2015