Netminder Josh Harding Will Start In Goal For Minnesota Wild in Game 2

The last minute injury to starting netminder Niklas Backstrom before the Minnesota Wild’s Game 1 matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks paved the way for Josh Harding to turn in one of the finest performances of his career. It’s because of that first start in the series for Harding — which was his first ever full playoff game– that has the Wild beaming with confidence as they announce Harding as their Game 2 starter in net.

Harding was brilliant between the pipes for the Wild on Tuesday night in Chicago, and no one in hockey is placing blame on him for the eventual loss suffered by Minnesota. Harding took the Blackhawks’ best punch in Game 1 and only allowed two goals in just about 80 minutes of ice time and had he been backed up by fresh defense in overtime, Harding’s play likely would have forced a fifth period of hockey inside the United Center.

Now the trick is repeating the success as this time around people are doing something they weren’t when Harding was announced as the last minute starter before Game 1 — there is expectation. Harding was brilliant in that first game, but people are expecting that brilliance in Game 2 and it’s Harding’s play that has some on the way to being convinced the Wild can make a series out of this.

Speaking of needing to be supported by solid defense, the Wild will be without defenseman Clayton Stoner which could be a significant loss for Minnesota’s defense. Still, all eyes will be on Harding when the puck drops in Chicago Friday night, which is saying a lot considering the team on the other side of the ice is the best in the NHL.