Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek ruled out for Game 4 vs. Stars

The Minnesota Wild will look to take a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven series against the Dallas Stars on Sunday evening, but they will do so without the services of Joel Eriksson Ek.

Eriksson Ek has been ruled out for Game 4 as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury suffered after blocking a shot in an Apr. 7 loss at Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old made his return to the lineup in Game 3 against the Stars but lasted just 19 seconds before making his way back to the locker room.

While nothing has been announced, Wild head coach Dean Evason didn'tWhen addressing the media earlier on Saturday, Wild head coach Dean Evason also didn't sound optimistic about Eriksson Ek's status for the rest of the series.