VOL 22 / 4
TOP STORIES
Wild update
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)
The Minnesota Wild have found quiet in the net, in more ways than one.
Niklas Backstrom is the unquestioned starter, taking his two-year, $6.2 million contract and NHL-best 1.97 goals-against average from last season into this campaign. Josh Harding is the backup, but there will be no wonder about who's in what role, as has been the case through most of this franchise's history.
Backstrom's new deal came in June and Manny Fernandez was traded to Boston in July, paving the path for a setup that appears much more smooth than in the past.
"We know he's a great goalie," defenseman Brent Burns said. "We knew that last year. We know how good he is. That's nothing new."
Fernandez had some great moments as Minnesota's goalie, but he had issues with knee injuries and his attitude sometimes rankled the Wild. His biggest problem, arguably, was keeping a level head and not letting frustrations throw him off his game. Splitting time, mostly with Dwayne Roloson, was never easy for him.
Though Backstrom has just completed one NHL season and must prove he's capable of performing well for more than just a few months, there is no concern about the former Finnish League star's demeanor.
"He doesn't get stressed at all," defenseman Kim Johnsson said. "He's mentally strong. Just calm. He just adds a calming feeling to the whole team when he's in there."
With his heavily accented monotone and classic poker face, Backstrom flashed a few smiles during an interview on the first day of training camp but otherwise expressed little emotion about his newfound security and responsibility.
The 29-year-old Backstrom, who gave up three goals or fewer in 38 of 41 appearances last season, posted a 23-8-6 record in 2006-07. He tried to downplay his increased stature, but when pressed he acknowledged this is much different than last year when he came into camp as an unknown rookie and was expected to be sent to Houston in the AHL to start the season. But Harding got hurt, and Backstrom emerged.
