Koivu returns to practice for the Wild

TUESDAY'S STORY LINE: As expected, Wild captain Mikko Koivu joined his teammates at practice for the first time since suffering an upper body injury on January 14th.

Koivu, who has 33 points in 41 games this season, was happy to be back with his team.

"It feels good, to be practicing with the rest of the team, mentally it is a lot more fun," said Koivu.

Koivu said everything felt good out there, but there is no timetable for his return. Koivu looked good skating and shooting, but didn't take any contact. His ability to take contact will be a key to his return.

Mike Yeo said there no timeframe for when Koivu will be cleared for contact, but seeing Koivu skating with his team is good sign.

"The fact that he is on the ice with us right now means that he is much closer," added Yeo.

Yeo said he expects both Koivu and Guillaume Latendresse to travel with the team on the upcoming road trip.

HE SAID IT: "I find, not too many times, do you look at a team that is being successful and they are bouncing back-and-forth from one goalie to another. I think we were able to do that earlier in the year, but certainly down the stretch it is a lot easier for guys to prepare to get into a groove, to get feeling good about their game the more that they are playing. Having said that, we are not just going to give it to anybody, someone is going to have to step up and grab it. We will use these games, and that would be the perfect situation and that is what we would like to have happen, but we will play it by ear." Yeo on either Harding or Backstrom stepping up and taking control down the stretch

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/koivu_returns_to_practice_for_the_wild/9692002

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