ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild have returned defenseman Keith Ballard to the lineup for Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal against Chicago.
Coach Mike Yeo confirmed the change after the pre-game skate Tuesday. Ballard replaced Nate Prosser on the third blue line pair. The veteran is in his first season with the Wild. He has been out with a lower-body injury and last played March 17.
The Wild also shuffled forwards, moving Nino Niederreiter to the first line with Mikko Koivu and Charlie Coyle for more size.
Goalie Darcy Kuemper skated with the team Tuesday after leaving Game 7 of the last round against Colorado with an upper-body injury. But Yeo said Kuemper was no closer to returning. Ilya Bryzgalov has been playing in his place.