Niklas Backstrom’s strained knee is improving, but the chances of him starting in goal Saturday night when the Wild host the Stars are low.
The better odds are that Backstrom returns Monday when the Wild starts a four-game road trip in Buffalo.
“You want to be there,” Backstrom told the Pioneer Press, “but I don’t want to think too far ahead.”
If Backstrom can’t go, Josh Harding will likely make his second straight start in goal. Harding took over for Backstrom in Nashville and played a perfect game except for the penalty shot goal he allowed when he entered the game cold.
Harding stopped 14 of 15 shots to lead the Wild to it’s first win of the season Thursday night, 2-1 over Winnipeg.
Backstrom suffered the injury earlier this week during the Wild’s 3-2 loss at Nashville.
Niklas Backstrom on the ice with goalie coach Bob Mason 3 days after straining knee. #mnwild pic.twitter.com/bGQfS6BTiT
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) October 11, 2013
