The Minnesota Wild provided a surprise swap on Monday, as their goalie situation saw some injury-related juggling.
Darcy Kuemper was originally slated to start against the Detroit Red Wings, but the team announced that he’s out with an upper-body injury. With that, Devan Dubnyk starts even after needing stitches to close up a recent “pressure wound.”
This morning Yeo said Devan Dubnyk may not be able to even back up after six stitches yesterday. Now he's starting in net for the #MNWild.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) December 29, 2015
Niklas Backstrom serves as Dubnyk’s backup.
At first, the indication was that Kuemper was merely ill rather than injured.
Sounds like Dubnyk starting. Kuemper sick. Coincidentally, he got sick after Christmas last year, hence a John Curry Dec. 27 start #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 29, 2015
Apparently that’s not the case.
The Wild can’t afford for this to throw anyone off, as Minnesota’s lost three of its last four contests.
Update: Despite feeling sore himself, Dubnyk helped the Wild beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-1 in this one.
Dubnyk said this morning he couldn't even put his hand in his blocker without pain, so he didn't think he could play #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 29, 2015