USA TODAY Sports

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.

The Wild will look for a victory in Game 4 when the puck drops at the Xcel Energy Center at 5:30 on Sunday evening.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
Luka Doncic hands OKC first playoff loss with gutsy Game 2 effort
Three takeaways as Rangers take commanding 3-0 series lead on Hurricanes
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
Ohio State AD is wrong for thinking Michigan wins deserve asterisk
Padres OF Jurickson Profar is a legitimate MVP candidate
Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's 'soured' relationship paints murky future for PGA Tour
Stars almost blow another lead, even series with Avalanche
Auburn's Hugh Freeze uncomfortable with 'bidding wars' for top players in transfer portal
Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship
Suns talks with head-coaching target 'expected to move quickly'
Knicks get even more bad injury news ahead of Game 3
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea
Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast

Want more Wild news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.