UPDATED
For a team that can not score, this is not good news.The two wingers who started the season on the Wild's second line are now both sidelined indefinitely because of concussions.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who returned Dec. 1, 2010, from more than a year away with a concussion, has been sidelined with concussion-like symptoms.
According to GM Chuck Fletcher, Bouchard hasn't felt comfortable since the Zach Bogosian check into the boards last month in Winnipeg. Late in last week's Vancouver game, Bouchard was elbowed and has been experiencing symptoms.
Fletcher said Bouchard's symptoms aren't near as severe as when he was out with post-concussion syndrome during the year-plus away. Fletcher did admit they were being vague with Bouchard's injury, but he did suffer a groin strain as well against Vancouver and the Wild didn't want to use the concussion word until it had more information.
Fletcher said he will look for external solutions as long as he doesn't have to dismantle the prospect core for short-term fixes.
"My job is to look for ways to improve our team and I'll continue to do that," Fletcher said. "...We'll continue to do our best to get [Bouchard] back in the lineup, but probably most importantly protect his longterm health."
Guillaume Latendresse is back in Montreal getting away from the team as he continues to be shut down with a concussion. Update: Fletcher actually thought he was still gone, but Latendresse got back today. Still with symptoms though. Jarod Palmer also has a concussion and is starting to feel better, Fletcher said.
"This is an opportunity to get back that fight that we had, and I don't think we've had it lately," coach Mike Yeo said.
Josh Harding starts tonight against San Jose. Mike Lundin scratched. David McIntyre likely plays, meaning somebody comes out. Cal Clutterbuck likely back on second line.
Bouchard will speak tomorrow.
I'll be on NHL Live at 5:25 CT on NHL Network live from the X's arena cam.
