The Minnesota Wild will start the season without Zach Parise on the ice.
The veteran winger has been dealing with a back issue throughout training camp, and because of the problem, will be held out of the lineup for at least the club's first two regular season games, scheduled for Thursday and Saturday.
"Parise's having a hard time getting to 100% so we'll be pulling back slightly," said general manager Chuck Fletcher. "If all goes well he'd rejoin the team next Monday."
Last season, Parise was limited by nagging injuries and illnesses, and finished with only 19 goals and 23 assists in 69 games - his lowest full-season totals since his rookie season with the New Jersey Devils.
Minnesota's third game is set for Oct. 12, giving him extra time in which to get up to speed, health permitting.
