Mikko Koivu Expected to Remain Out for Wild As Bruins Continue Road Trip in Minnesota

The Bruins continue their season-high six-game road trip with a stop in Minnesota on Hockey Day in America.

The Wild have lost seven straight and scored just 10 goals in eight games this month, but the Bruins can’t take anyone lightly with the way they’ve played of late.

Minnesota will be without captain Mikko Koivu, who will miss his second straight game with an undisclosed injury. They are also expected to be without center Warren Peters, who has a hearing scheduled with the league Sunday afternoon and is likely to be suspended for cross-checking St. Louis’ David Backes in the head on Saturday.

The Wild recalled forward Chad Rau to replace Peters if needed. Marek Zidlicky, who has been in coach Mike Yeo‘s doghouse, will return to the lineup, with Justin Falk sitting.

With Nathan Horton (concussion) and Rich Peverley (knee) remaining out, the Bruins won’t have any changes up front. Josh Hennessy will remain in the lineup for his second game as a Bruin. Chris Kelly lost several teeth in practice Saturday, but returned to finish the session and is expected to play in this game. Tyler Seguin is also expected to play after missing Saturday’s practice for an undisclosed reason.

Tim Thomas is expected to get the start in goal after Tuukka Rask played in Friday’s 4-2 loss in Winnipeg.

Greg Kimmerly and Steve Kozari will be the referees, with Ryan Galloway and David Brisebois working the lines.

Projected Bruins lines

Forwards
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Benoit Pouliot
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin
Daniel Paille-Chris Kelly-Jordan Caron
Josh Hennessy-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton

Defense
Zdeno Chara-Johnny Boychuk
Dennis Seidenberg-Joe Corvo
Andrew Ference-Adam McQuaid

Goalies
Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask

Scratches: Nathan Horton (concussion), Rich Peverley (knee), Andrew Bodnarchuk

Projected Wild lines

Forwards
Dany Heatley-Kyle Brodziak-Nick Johnson
Cal Clutterbuck-Matt Cullen-Devin Setoguchi
Darroll Powe-Chad Rau-Jed Ortmeyer
Jeff Taffe-Erik Christensen-Matt Kassian

Defense
Marco Scandella-Jared Spurgeon
Nick Schultz-Greg Zanon
Marek Zidlicky-Nate Prosser

Goalies
Niklas Backstrom
Josh Harding

Scratches: Mikko Koivu (undisclosed injury), Warren Peters, Justin Falk, Mike Lundin (lower body)

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