Good morning. With a few forwards uncertain to play tonight vs. Vancouver because of illness, the Wild has recalled Colton Gillies from AHL Houston. Gillies has scored a goal and an assist in four games, and this potentially could be Gillies' first NHL action since the 2008-09 season.
The Wild used 40 players last year, 41 if you include Jon DiSalvatore, who was recalled but didn't play. None of the players was Gillies. The Wild committed to last year being a development year for the 21-year-old 2007 first-round pick, so he knew he was likely staying all year in Houston.
This is a reward for a solid start in Houston for Gillies and a good attitude. A tremendous character kid, this was Gillies' quote when he didn't make the team out of camp. Remember, he welled up when he didn't make the team the year before after playing 45 games as a rookie.
"I'm in a way better place this year than I was last year," Gillies said. "I'm pumped. I'm excited. There's still things I need to work on. I think I need to be down there to get this done." Again, Gillies may not play if Matt Cullen and Martin Havlat show up this morning healthy and nobody else turns up sick. You can find out the lineup by following me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/russostrib).
Big game tonight. Does the Wild show up after the loud and clear Sunday message sent by Todd Richards?
"If we give Vancouver freedom to skate and move, they've got guys that can make plays," said Richards. "And it'll end up being a long evening for us."
