Friday, March 12, 2010

Wild Without Backstrom

Things are not looking good for the Minnesota Wild and their number one goalie going down the stretch. Granted, the Wild are not really in the conversation, when taking about the playoffs, but this news certainly won't help their trek to get back in. The Wild are now going to be without Niklas Backstrom for an undetermined amount of time, thanks to a groin injury. Backstrom was not able to go for the Wild on Thursday night against the Red Wings, but still dressed as the back-up, because the decision came late. The Wild have called up Wade Dubielewicz from the AHL to back-up Josh Harding in the team's next game, tonight in Buffalo.

Backstrom has appeared in 50 games for the Wild this season and has a record of 24-19-6 in the process. He's also recorded two shutouts and has an assist this season as well, bringing his pool points total up to 53 this season. Coming into this week's action, Backstrom was ranked 56th in pool scoring, but since he has yet to register any points in the week, there's a good chance he's fallen down some more. In 2009, his 90 points ranked him 11th in pool scoring, which made him a top quality pick in this year's draft. I'm sure he'll be quite the wild card for hockey pools next season.

ImplicationsIn terms of the hockey pools this season, Backstrom isn't playing for any of the good teams this season. In the Draft, Backstrom is a part of Trevor's team, who currently sits in last place of those standings. It's been a really tough season for Trevor in his Draft debut year, having some poor production and injuries from his goaltending team. His tandem has put up 2,200 less minutes than the pool leader, Dale B., in that category, which translates into a lot more potential for points.

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