In the latest NHL updates, Buffalo Sabres' forwards Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens, alongside goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, are expected to return to action after participating in practice. However, forward Beck Malenstyn was absent from practice. On the injury front, Chicago Blackhawks' Jason Dickinson faces several weeks on the sidelines due to an ankle sprain. Nashville Predators' Zachary L’Heureux is day-to-day with an upper-body issue, while New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier continues his solo skating regimen.

Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green remains hopeful about Shane Pinto's participation, despite his arm injury making him a game-time decision. Philadelphia Flyers' Owen Tippett is ruled out until after the Four Nations event due to an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby, who missed the last game after an injury, has returned to practice but remains uncertain for the upcoming match. Evgeni Malkin is still on IR, complicating the Penguins' forward lineup.

The Minnesota Wild faced off against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night, quickly transforming the ice into a battleground with three fights within the opening minutes of the game. The first fight erupted between Nashville's Zachary L'Heureux and Minnesota's Yakov Trenin, a rematch sparked by previous tensions and injuries. Just moments later, Wild's Marcus Foligno engaged with Luke Schenn. Foligno's motivation was fueled by L'Heureux's slew-footing of Jared Spurgeon, who has been sidelined for several games.

Despite their aggressive start, the Wild's energy seemed to wane as the game progressed. Nashville capitalized on this, taking a commanding 4-1 lead in the second period with goals from Colton Sissons and Filip Forsberg, further extending their advantage with additional goals from Steven Stamkos and Fedor Svechkov. The Predators, who have struggled this season, managed to turn the tide and secure a critical victory over the Wild.

The Minnesota Wild face a challenging road ahead as they deal with a slew of injuries to key players, including Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon. Kaprizov is set to miss his 11th and 12th games due to a lingering lower-body injury, while Spurgeon has also been sidelined. In positive news, Brock Faber and Jakub Lauko are expected to return for Saturday's matchup against the Nashville Predators. Coach John Hynes expressed optimism that Kaprizov could return next week, but the team is currently dependent on their remaining players to step up.

This season, despite his absence, Kaprizov leads the team in scoring with 50 points, a testament to his significant impact on the ice. Meanwhile, Faber, who suffered an injury earlier this month, is looking to bounce back. Lauko returns from a muscle injury that has plagued him multiple times this season. His addition could provide a boost to a Wild roster that has struggled with injuries.

As they prepare for their upcoming games, the Wild will also have to navigate the goalie rotation, with Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson splitting time in net. With the Predators on an upswing and the Colorado Avalanche close behind in the standings, the Wild's ability to field a competitive lineup will be critical to maintaining their position in the playoff race.

The Minnesota Wild are facing a significant challenge as defensemen Jonas Brodin and Brock Faber join the injury list ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche. Brodin's injury, sustained while blocking a shot during a victory over St. Louis, has rendered him day-to-day. Meanwhile, Faber's status remains uncertain following an upper-body injury from a collision with Jake Neighbours.

Adding to the Wild's woes, captain Jared Spurgeon is sidelined for one to two more weeks due to a lower-body injury. With these key players out, the team will be missing three of its top four defensemen. Although Jake Middleton has just returned from a 10-game absence, the situation remains precarious.

Star left wing Kirill Kaprizov is also out, having missed his seventh consecutive game. Despite this, he is showing signs of recovery by skating in recent practices and could return to the lineup soon, which would provide a much-needed boost for the Wild.

The Minnesota Wild face a challenging situation as defensemen Jonas Brodin and Brock Faber join the ranks of injured players ahead of their game against the Colorado Avalanche. Brodin is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained while blocking a shot during the Wild's recent 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Meanwhile, Faber's condition remains uncertain after suffering an upper-body injury due to an elbow from Blues forward Jake Neighbours during his first shift in the same game.

Adding to the Wild's woes, captain Jared Spurgeon is expected to be sidelined for another week or two due to a lower-body injury he incurred from a slew foot by Nashville's Zachary L'Heureux. This unfortunate injury list leaves Minnesota without three of their top four defensemen. Jake Middleton has recently returned from a 10-game absence caused by an upper-body injury, but his presence may not be enough to stabilize the defensive lineup.

On the offensive front, the Wild are also missing star left wing Kirill Kaprizov, who has been out for seven consecutive games due to a lower-body issue. Kaprizov, currently tied for fourth in the NHL with 23 goals and ninth with 50 points, resumed skating in the last two days, indicating a potential return could be on the horizon.