The Minnesota Wild have been putting a big emphasis on face-offs throughout camp. Credit - Dylan Loucks The Hockey News. The Wild almost lost Jared Spurgeon last Sunday after taking a hit by Ryan Donato. The Wild captain left the game but eventually returned and has been fine ever since. Against the Oilers on Friday night, the Wild lost Jonas Brodin after taking a hit by Edmonton's Evander Kane. Brodin, 30, is widely known as one of the best defensive defensemen in the NHL today and has been for a long time. The 6-foot-1 defender left the game and did not return and will remain as a big concern for the Wild going forward if he is out long-term. Unfortunately, the hit by Kane wasn't called a penalty and Ryan Hartman was called seconds later for a penalty after falling on Kane. The Oilers ended up scoring on the power play early and took a 4-3 lead which was the eventual game-winner. Not only did the Wild lose 4-3 and drop their second straight, but they might be without Brodin for some time which is a big loss to the backend. I would imagine the NHL Player Safety will look at this for a suspension on Kane who has been fined and suspended many times by the NHL Player Safety organization. But even if he isn't suspended I would think there will be a fine for his blatantly obvious check from behind into the boards.
