Minnesota Wild Goaltender Niklas Backstrom Has Recovered From Groin Injury

Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom is fully recovered from the groin injury that sidelined him for 11 games, but it's unlikely that he will start on Thursday, according to Ray Richardson of The St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Josh Harding will probably remain in net after recording 33 saves in a 2-0 Wild victory Monday night. Wild coach Mike Yeo, via Richardson:

"We won't make that decision right now, but typically we would go with a goalie who had a shutout in his last game," Yeo said of Harding.

After undergoing a strenuous workout with goalie coach Bob Mason, Backstrom said that he's ready to go when his number is called.

"We certainly expect both goalies to play for us this weekend," Yeo said.

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Niklas Backstrum Injury: Wild Goalie Expected To Make Early Return

Niklas Backstrum may not be out for 2-4 weeks after all, as the veteran goal tender was on the ice again Tuesday morning and hopes to be cleared to return to practice later this week.

Backstrom has been out since March 2, when he a groin suffered the injury roughly two minutes into an eventual Minnesota loss to Montreal. In his absence, the Wild have had to turn rookie Matt Hackett - the third stringer - because backup Josh Harding has also been on the shelf with a leg injury.

While a date for Bakstrom's return to game action remains unclear, it's a good sign for the Wild that his recovery is progressing as quickly as it has. Bakstrom, 34, had a 17-17-6 record on the season and is allowing 2.44 goals per game.

For more on the Minnesota Wild, check out Hockey Wilderness. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page.

Niklas Backstrom Injury: Minnesota Wild Goalie Out 2-4 Weeks

Minnesota Wild goalie Nicklas Backstrom will miss 2-4 weeks with a strained groin.

Niklas Backstrom Injury: Minnesota Wild Goaltender Helped Off The Ice

Niklas Backstrom, goaltender for the Minnesota Wild, suffered an injury during Thursday night's shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens. No details have been released.