Dylan Loucks reports on what he saw during the Wild's practice on Friday.
ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Wild (32-19-4) were back on the ice on Friday for a practice following its 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night.
Filip Gustavsson was not on the ice for practice but Wild head coach John Hynes said that it was just a maintenance day for Gustavsson. Hynes also said that Gustavsson will start against the New York Islanders on Saturday.
Gustavsson had some new gear in his stall today. Two sets of blockers and gloves, along with breezers and pads that had Team Sweden's logo all over them. Gustvasson did not practice and hasn't put them on yet but he plans to for a few times before they play in the 4 Nations Tournament.
Matt Boldy and Brock Faber got their Team USA sticks and Jonas Brodin had his Team Sweden gloves in his stall.
Eriksson Ek was not on the ice for practice due to a maintenance day as well. Mats Zuccarello also wasn't on the ice for that same reason.
Jakub Lauko remains hurt and was not on the ice. He has a lower-body injury.
The Islanders are in Winnipeg tonight before they play the Wild on Saturday. The expectation is for Isles goaltender Ilya Sorokin to start both games, per The Hockey News' Islanders writer.
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