NHL Playoffs: Minnesota Wild goalie Backstrom out for Game 1
Losing Niklas Backstrom deals a huge blow to Minnesota's already slim chances of taking down the Blackhawks. (Chris Humphreys/US Presswire)
Breaking story in Chicago, where Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom has left the ice during pre-game warm-ups. Renaud Lavoie of RDS is saying it is because of injury, which would put his start in jeopardy. If he can't go, the Wild will have to turn to backup Josh Harding.
UPDATE: Backstrom is out, Harding is in. It will be his first start since Jan. 30, when he allowed two goals on four shots, lasting less than seven minutes against these same Blackhawks. Harding played twice in Houston over the past 10 days, going 1-1 with a .918 save percentage. He hasn't seen NHL playoff action since a relief appearance in 2008.
Michael Russo reports that Backstrom apparently tweaked something when he reached back to grab a rebound during the warmup. Here's video of the incident: