"With the Wild having won twice in the past 15 games and just barely inside the playoff bubble in the Western Conference, it now faces a critical stretch without captain Mikko Koivu.

According to sources, Koivu sustained a left shoulder injury during Saturday's shootout loss at St. Louis -- an injury that was being evaluated by team doctors but is expected to sideline the Wild's leading scorer for at least a month.

General Manager Chuck Fletcher didn't respond to an interview request, but Koivu left Scottrade Center on Saturday night with his shoulder in a sling. Fletcher is expected to update Koivu's status after Monday morning's practice at Xcel Energy Center."