In a large helping of absolutely terrible news for the Wild, Mikko Koivu has a very real possibility of missing at least a month with a shoulder injury. This, as always, according to Russo. The hit was fairly innocuous, and didn't look like anything that would cause such a long-term injury. Goes to show that no matter what they do to the rules, hockey is a dangerous sport.

This is, shall we say... really bad news. The Wild are a terrible hockey team sans Koivu, and another month of bad hockey is not something that will bode well for the team's chances at the post season. You've all seen the differences in the Wild with and without Koivu. The details don't need to be fleshed out. What needs to be said, and no one wants to?

The Wild suck without Mikko Koivu. Flat out. They are not exactly a powerhouse team with him, but without him, they are bottom feeders. Not good.

The article from Russo also says Chuck Fletcher is doing everything in his power to make a trade to add some sort of scoring. It would be difficult to expect him to pull a Koivu replacement out of thin air. Really unsure what the assets are he is willing to part with, but what I am looking at doesn't bring back a difference maker.

I hope I'm wrong.

We have said this too much this year, to too many players. Get well soon, Mr. Koivu.