Wild starting goaltender Nicklas Backstrom injured during warmups
BY MARK LAZERUS mlazerus@suntimes.com
A shot by Edmonton Oilers left wing Taylor Hall, not pictured, gets past Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom (32), of Finland, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in St. Paul, Minn., Friday, April 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
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Less than a half hour before Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals, the Minnesota Wild were dealt a huge blow when starting goaltender Nicklas Backstrom was injured during warmups, apparently while reaching for a rebound. He had to be helped off the ice and down the tunnel to the dressing room.
That means Josh Harding will get the start for the Wild. Harding played in just five games this season, going 1-1-0 with a 3.24 goals-against average and a .863 save percentage. He started against the Blackhawks on Jan. 30 and gave up two goals on four shots in seven minutes before getting the hook.
Backstrom played 42 of 48 games this season for the Wild, going 24-15-3 with a 2.48 GAA and .909 save percentage.
