There was very little to nit-pick about the Wild’s season debut, as they handled the Blues in both ends of the ice, and skated out of St. Louis on Thursday with a convincing 5-0 win.

But improving health on defense allowed coach John Hynes to make one notable change in the lineup for the home opener, with veteran Jonas Brodin replacing work-in-progress David Jiricek on the blue line.

Brodin, 32, missed the season opener following offseason surgery for an upper body ailment but is back in action sooner than expected. Hynes admits they didn’t anticipate Brodin would be available in October.

“I’m really excited. It’s been a good rehab over the summer, and I’ve been working hard and I feel ready to play now,” said Brodin, who has been skating with the team in practice while wearing a bright

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