About half the Wild lineup took part in morning skate before Minnesota faces off against Colorado at 7 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center.
With forward Erik Haula out indefinitely with a lower-body injury, opportunity abounds for two Wild centermen: Tyler Graovac and Pat Cannone, who will play in his first NHL game tonight.
At age 30, Cannone doesn't fit the rookie mold, but he's been a mainstay of Iowa's lineup this year. In 29 games played in Des Moines, he's tied for third on the team in points with 16. He also wears an "A" on his jersey as a part-time alternate captain.
"[I'm] trying to treat it as just another game, another day, even though it's a little bit different," Cannone said. "I'm just looking forward to it and trying to help the team in any way I can."
Cannone will wear sweater No. 42 with the club. In the crowd Tuesday night will be Cannone's parents, Stephen and Joanne, his wife, Natalie, his sister and a close friend.
"It's gonna be pretty cool to have them here, pretty special," Cannone said. "They're looking forward to it. It's been a long journey."
Wild coach Bruce Boudreau, who spent much of his playing career in the minor leagues, is more than happy to give Cannone a shot.
"It's a great thing for guys to get their first game up, especially after they've played a few years in the minor leagues," Boudreau said. "He's earned it. He's played very well down in Iowa, so here's his chance."
