The Wild have lost a key defenseman for what figures to be at least a chunk of the first round. Defenseman Nick Schultz had an appendectomy tonight. No official word on how much time he'll missed, but Avalanche fans already have a decent bit of experience in that department.
The Wild are already missing Carp, Ontario* native Kurt Foster and the Schultz injury will put a bit more strain on the Minnesota defense. While the Wild still have some excellent defensemen, this injury may put some added pressure on guys like Keith Carney and Martin Skoula, players best used in more specialized roles.
*I used to live in Carp.