Wild defenseman Schultz returns from appendectomy

4/19/2008 9:33 PM

DENVER (AP) -Minnesota defenseman Nick Schultz returned to the Wild's lineup Saturday night for Game 6 at Colorado, less than two weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy.

Schultz, who played 81 games this season and had two goals and 15 points, had surgery on April 7, two days before the playoffs began.

During his absence, the Wild's depth on defense was a big concern. The blueliners forced into extended playing time performed impressively over the first few games, but they seemed to lose their energy and focus in Game 4 before bouncing back in Game 5.

The Avalanche took a 3-2 series lead into Game 6.