TUESDAY'S STORY LINE: After Niklas Backstrom's solid performance Saturday against Colorado, coach Mike Yeo said there was consideration given to throwing the goalie back in Sunday against Dallas. But the coaches decided to give Josh Harding his first start of the season instead.
"I think it is important early in this year that we give both guys a chance to get a feel and get some games in," Yeo said.
Managing goalies' ice time is one of the challenges coaches face in the compact season, but Yeo and the Wild are fortunate to have two goalies they can rely on.
Harding was excellent against the Stars on Sunday in his first start since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He stopped all 24 shots he faced and earned his seventh career shutout. Yeo said Harding "feels great," but the Wild will put Backstrom back in the nets Tuesday when they face off against Nashville.
"We got a lot of games in a short period of time," Yeo said. "It is important that both goalies are getting into a groove."
HE SAID IT: "You build relationships with coaches and your teammates for the last eight years for me. It is tough to play against them, but it is part of professional sport. You have balance that, and you know you have to play hard." -- Ryan Suter on facing his old team Tuesday night
