Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher reiterated his team's interest in re-signing Niklas Backstrom.
Backstrom had a 2.48 goals-against average and .909 save percentage this season. "We've had some conversations with his representation, and had a good meeting with Niklas before he went back to Finland," Fletcher said. "I think clearly he would like to come to back to Minnesota. We certainly would like to have him back. So the will is there from both parties. Now we just have to find a way, with respect to term and the cap and how do we manage all of that."

The Wild are unlikely to re-sign Pierre-Marc Bouchard
Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher told RDS' Renaud Lavoie that it will be a "challenge" to bring the forward back. Bouchard is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The 29-year-old had eight goals and 12 assists in 43 games this season and was once very productive on the power play.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune writer Michael Russo points out that Dany Heatley's injured shoulder could create cap problems for the Minnesota Wild.
Before getting hurt, Heatley and his $5.7 million cap hit were obvious candidates for one of the team's two compliance buyouts. However, injured players can't be bought out and it's unclear if Heatley will be healthy in time for the first buyout window, which begins 48 hours after the Stanley Cup final ends and stops when free agency opens on July 5. According to Russo, the Wild currently have a little over $6 million to fill out the roster and sign a No. 1 goaltender, which is hardly enough. Russo speculates the team could deal several players, such as Devin Setoguchi, Kyle Brodziak, Cal Clutterbuck and/or Tom Gilbert. There's also a second buyout window later in the summer that could give the Wild some breathing room, but the Wild would need at least one of their two arbitration-eligible players to file for arbitration.

Marco Scandella has agreed to a two-year deal with the Minnesota Wild.
Scandella's new contract comes with a $1.025 million annual cap hit. He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer. The 23-year-old has four goals and 15 points in 89 career NHL games.

Jonas Brodin finished fourth in Calder voting.
Brodin received 24 first place votes as he finished behind Jonathan Huberdeau, Brendan Gallagher and Brandon Saad in voting for the top rookie. It was a very close vote as there were many contenders but no runaway leader. Brodin led all rookies in ice time at 23:12 minutes per game and looks to be a permanent fixture on the Wild blueline for the next 10 seasons.

Josh Harding has won the 2013 Masterton Trophy.
This award honors players that demonstrate, among other things, perseverance and dedication. Harding is continuing his NHL career after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He missed a significant portion of the season, but after his return he ended up playing against the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs. Although Chicago ultimately won that series, Harding held his own. Sidney Crosby and Adam McQuaid were the other nominees for the award.

Stephane Veilleux has inked a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild.
He dress in two playoff games with the Wild, but didn't play for Minnesota at all during the regular season. In 33 games with the AHL's Houston Aeros, he had eight points and 45 penalty minutes.

The Minnesota Wild haven't engaged in serious talks with Niklas Backstrom yet.
Backstrom is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. "Right now, we're just waiting for Minnesota to finish their meetings and go from there," Backstrom's agent, Jeff Kowall said. "Our first step is to see what Minnesota's plans are, and hopefully there's something to be worked out." Minnesota will have problems working Backstrom under the cap unless they do something big like trading or using an amnesty buyout on Dany Heatley's contract. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher has previously expressed an interest in re-signing their 35-year-old starting goaltender.

Matt Cullen, 36, is an unrestricted free agent this summer but he sounds as if he'd like to re-sign with the Minnesota Wild.
"I feel good about where my game and body is at," Cullen said. "I know I'm getting older and later in my career, but I feel better than I've ever felt on the ice. It helps keep you feeling young and excited get work this summer." He added: "I understand (the Wild has) serious cap issues. I'll say this, I'm anxious to hear from them and I really commend the job that (general manager) Chuck Fletcher has done. Obviously getting Zach (Parise) and Ryan (Suter) speaks for itself, but man, the job (Jonas) Brodin and (Charlie) Coyle did this year, and Zucks (Jason Zucker) to a certain extend when he was here. The impact those guys had, that's pretty unique to have guys that play that kind of role and big minutes and be so good at such a young age. So I'm very optimistic about the future."

Matt Cullen was very disappointed with the Minnesota Wild's first-round exit.
"It was about as disappointed as I think I've ever been," Cullen said. "I really felt we missed an opportunity this year probably more than maybe any other time in my career. Maybe it's because of where I'm at in my career and being from Minnesota and not knowing if this was my last season in Minnesota. It was really a tough one to handle." Cullen is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but he's open to re-signing with the Minnesota Wild. The 36-year-old forward had seven goals and 27 points in 48 games in 2012-13.

Goaltender Niklas Backstrom, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency, wants to remain with the Wild.
"I just want to be where I feel comfortable and enjoy playing," Backstrom said. "If they want to have me back, I can't see a reason why we couldn't work something out." GM Chuck Fletcher wants to re-sign Backstrom who underwent successful sports hernia surgery two weeks ago and is expected to be ready for the 2013-14 season.

The Wild announced that Niklas Backstrom underwent successful sports hernia surgery on Thursday.
He is expected to be fully recovered in time for next season, but as a pending unrestricted free agent it isn't clear if he'll back with Minnesota or somewhere else when he returns to the ice.

Josh Harding was one of three finalists for the Masterton Trophy announced Tuesday.
Harding missed a large chunk of the season after he was disclosed he'd been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Perhaps most amazingly, Harding came off the bench and started all six games of the Wild's opening-round playoff series after Niklas Backstrom suffered a sports hernia during warmups before Game 1. While fellow finalists Sidney Crosby and Adam McQuaid have their own tales and justification for their nominations, it'll be tough to be Harding for this one.

GM Chuck Fletcher said that coach Mike Yeo will return to coach the Wild next season.
Fletcher is happy with the progress of the team. "I look at where we were a year ago to where we are now, and there's just been a dramatic improvement, a dramatic difference," Fletcher said. "Clearly we're on the right path. But you play a team like Chicago, you see where you have to get better. Their talent level, their depth is pretty impressive. Last year, we were Mikko Koivu and a bunch of prospects. Now, we've got four cornerstone pieces in Mikko and [Ryan] Suter and [Zach] Parise and [Jason] Pominville, and a lot of those prospects we talked about for a few years are now players. . . . We still have work to do, but we're trending the right way." Yeo will have a lot to work with next season so expect more from the Wild in 2013-14.

The Minnesota Wild were the only playoff team in the first round not to score a power play goal.
It was certainly their downfall as the Wild lost the best-of-seven series four games to one to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Wild did not score in 17 chances while pumping 29 shots on the Chicago net, while the Blackhawks scored twice in 13 chances.

In addition to Niklas Backstrom, Michael Rupp also ranks among Minnesota Wild players who underwent surgery after the season ended.
In Rupp's case, it was for his knee (meniscus). The Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Michael Russo reports that his window for return should be short.

Niklas Backstrom reportedly underwent groin surgery on Wednesday.
It was for a sports hernia, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Michael Russo. He's a pending unrestricted free agency this summer, so potential suitors (or just the Minnesota Wild) will want to know that he's good to go.

Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher gave head coach Mike Yeo a vote of confidence on Saturday.
"He's our coach," Fletcher said. There might be some that wonder about Yeo's status after the team was meekly booted from the playoffs in five games by the Chicago Blackhawks after backing into the postseason. At least publicly, Yeo's job appears safe.

The MInnesota Wild have some difficult decisions to make with respect to their goaltending situation in 2013-14.
Franchise wins leader Niklas Backstrom is an unrestricted free agent, but the 35-year-old may be seeking a lucrative long-term deal after a great regular season and at the age of 35, Minnesota may not be willing to meet his demands. With Josh Harding's health status a question mark and little else in the system in terms of NHL-ready options, the Wild could find themselves searching for an alternative.

Wild coach Mike Yeo wouldn't directly address questions that his job could be in trouble.
"I don't know. I can't answer that," Yeo said. "If you want to look at it objectively, statistically . properly, there's been a lot of improvement in our organization, and I feel that we're going in the right direction." Expectations were raised for Minnesota after acquiring Zach Parise and Ryan Suter over the summer, but getting to the first round was still an accomplishment for a club that fell well short of that mark in 2011-12. The Wild might decide to replace Yeo, but it would be unfair to paint his second campaign with the club as a disaster.

Matt Cullen is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Cullen, 36, isn't sure if he'll be back next season. "You just don't know in this game," Cullen said. "For sure, I know that could have been my last game as a wild player. There's lot of things that can happen. Never take it for granted. It's been a lot of fun, but we'll see what happens." He had seven goals and 27 points in 48 games, so he should still be able to find another team that'll want him if the Wild don't re-sign him.

Niklas Backstrom revealed that his lower body injury is a sports hernia.
Backstrom will undergo surgery as a result. He suffered the injury during the pre-game warmups prior to Game 1 and missed the entire first round. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and he isn't a lock to be re-signed. At the age of 35, he might have a tough time finding a starting gig on the open market and may have to settle for a backup role that comes with a genuine opportunity to overthrow the established starter.

Zach Parise finished Minnesota's playoff run with just one goal and a minus-seven rating in five games.
Parise signed a massive contract with the Wild over the summer and it's hard to regard his first season as a success. It wasn't a disaster either though, as he did end up with 18 goals and 38 points in 48 games. Look for him to push at the 70-point mark in 2013-14.

Mikko Koivu finished the first round with no points and a minus-six rating in five games.
Chicago's ability to silence Koivu was obviously a big part of the reason the Wild have been eliminated. "Last thing I want to do is sit up here and talk about puck luck or bounces. . I feel bad for Mikko," Wild coach Mike Yeo said. "He did a lot of the right things . and just didn't get rewarded." Provided he can stay healthy, Koivu should reach the 60-point mark next season despite his abysmal playoff numbers.

Torrey Mitchell potted a goal for Minnesota in Chicago Thursday night but it was too little and too late as the Blackhawks won the game and the opening-round playoff series against the Wild.
Mitchell's goal was his only one of the series. Assists went to Kyle Brodziak and Marco Scandella. The Wild obtained high-priced free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter in the off-season but still have a long way to go before it can be considered a legitimate Stanley Cup defender. Don't be surprised if Mike Yeo is canned as the Wild's coach as this team didn't come close to its pre-season expectations.

Goaltender Josh Harding allowed three goals on 18 shots before being replaced by backup Darcy Kuemper in the Minnesota Wild's series-ending, 5-1 loss to the Blackhawks in Chicago Thursday night.
Harding told the Wild that he was fine to play after leaving Tuesday's game with a leg injury. Darcy Kuemper, who replaced Harding in Tuesday's 3-0 loss, came in for Harding again Thursday and gave up two goals on 11 shots. Look for Minnesota management to spend a great deal of time in the off-season trying to improve its goaltending.

Josh Harding told the Wild that he is fine to play, so he'll get the nod in Game 5 on Thursday night.
He left Tuesday's game with a leg injury and Darcy Kuemper, who will back him up, made his first playoff appearance in his place. Harding has posted a .923 save percentage and a 2.48 GAA in four appearances against Chicago in Minnesota's first-round series.

Zach Parise has one goal and no assists in four games in the first round.
Parise also has a minus-six rating in the series. That's not exactly the kind of numbers you want out of one of your best players and major summer acquisition, but Kyle Brodziak attempted to take the pressure off of Parise. "We understand that they're playing their best players and defenders against our top guys," Brodziak said. "It makes it very difficult for them. That's when depth has to step up." They'll probably need both their depth players and stars playing better if they want to overcome their 3-1 series deficit.

Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo won't reveal his starting goaltender or backup for Game 5.
Niklas Backstrom (lower body) and Josh Harding (leg) are both questionable. "We like to keep the other team guessing, so we're not only going to not tell them who are starting goaltender is, we're not going to tell them who our backup goaltender is either," said Yeo. "Really leave them in the dark." The Wild are just one game away from elimination. If their top two goaltenders aren't available, then Darcy Kuemper will presumably get the nod.

Mikko Koivu's failed pass led the the game-winning goal in Chicago's 3-0 victory on Tuesday.
"It took the momentum away," Koivu said. "That's a tough break -- you feel good and the team's going good. Obviously it's a mistake by myself. They put the puck in the net when they get their first chance there." Koivu has no points and a minus-five rating in the first round. The Wild are just one loss away from elimination.

Josh Harding suffered a left leg injury on Tuesday.
Harding was filling in for injured starting goaltender Niklas Backstrom. If neither of them can play on Thursday, then Darcy Kuemper, who has played in just six career NHL games in the regular season, will start.

After being shutout in Game 4, the Minnesota Wild absolutely have to win on Thursday.
"It's do or die," Suter said. "Every single guy has to play their best game if we want a chance to keep at this thing. It's tough to reset. But we have to go in there with a mind-set of, `Hey, we have nothing to lose.'" The Wild are down 3-1 in their series against the Chicago Blackhawks. Suter has been a workhorse for Minnesota, averaging an incredible 32:07 minutes per game.

Zach Parise was held in check for most of night as the Wild failed to get anything going offensively in their 3-0 Game 4 loss to Chicago on Tuesday.
Parise, and linemates Mikko Koivu and Charlie Coyle, each finished a minus-2, which a discouraging sign for the Wild, who need the line to produce if they have any chance at turning the series around. The Wild have had a particularly difficult time on the powerplay, without a goal in 15 chances through four games.

Darcy Kuemper entered Game 4 in the second period, stopping 15 of 17 shots he faced in Minnesota's 3-0 loss to Chicago.
The 23-year-old rookie was forced into playoff action despite appearing in just six regular season games. He was clearly nervous, allowing a goal on the first shot he faced. Kuemper responded well, however, settling down before allowing a weak goal midway through the third which all but sealed the Wild's fate. Nicklas Backstrom was dressed on the bench and served as the emergency goaltender, which may bode well for the Wild for Game 5 assuming he's ready to return. We'll update you on Harding's progress and the goaltending situation as soon as we learn more.

Josh Harding has been pulled from tonight's contest after being injured on a collision with Jonathan Toews.
The injury is unknown at this point and we'll update once we know more. Remember, Wild starting goaltender Nicklas Backstrom is also hurt, so 23-year-old rookie Darcy Kuemper takes over in net. Patrick Sharp beat Kuemper on the first shot he faced, which does not bode well for the Wild's chances in this game. A huge turnaround is required.

Josh Harding was shaken up after a collision with Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, but remains in the game.
We'll update you on Harding's status if the Wild decide to take precaution and sit him for the start of the second period.

Jason Pominville (upper body) will return to the fold for the Wild in Game 4.
He has been out of action since April 23 with a suspected concussion. He posted nine points in 10 games with Minnesota after being acquired from Buffalo before getting hurt. According to the warmup, he will start on the fourth line.

Jason Pominville (upper body) skated with Stephane Veilleux and Torrey Mitchell during the pregame warmup.
It appears as though he will play in Game 4 Tuesday night and start out on the fourth line. He will probably be a game-time decision and Jake Dowell will play if he can't.

Minnesota Wild recall forwards Zack Phillips, Justin Fontaine, Brett Bulmer and Chad Rau, defenseman Kyle Medvec and goalie Jeff Deslauriers from AHL Houston.
With Houston out of the AHL playoffs, the Wild will recall all six players as a means to showing some of the younger players what the playoffs are like. For players like Deslauriers, it's a bit of a reward after toiling in the minors for the season. None of the six players will play this postseason.

Josh Harding is expected to start in goal once again for Game 4 on Tuesday night.
Harding has pretty much done everything Minnesota could've asked after Niklas Backstrom was injured during pregame warmups ahead of Game 1. They'll need him to be stout once again Tuesday night. It's not a must-win game but it's pretty close. The Wild got back in the series with a Game 3 victory but they do not want to go back to Chicago down 3-1.

Jason Pominville (upper body) practiced again Tuesday but remains uncertain to play in Game 4 tonight.
Pominville doesn't even know if he'll take part in pregame warmups, saying that'll be up to coach Mike Yeo. We're guessing he'll likely need another couple days of on-ice work before being able to jump back into game action, but we'll just have to wait and see. The trade deadline acquisition hasn't played since getting hurt on April 23.

Mike Yeo says the Blackhawks were cheating on faceoffs in Games 1 and 2.
The number shift between the games in Minnesota and Chicago are pretty intriguing. The Wild won 56 percent of faceoffs in Game 3 at home after losing 54 percent of them in Game 2 and splitting the draws 50-50 in Game 1. It's not something Chicago denies, but as Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw says, "every centerman cheats on draws." This more gamesmanship by Yeo than anything else, hoping to possibly influence the officials into tossing the Hawks more often once the series shifts back to Chicago.

Ryan Suter was named as a finalist for the Norris Trophy annually given to the league's best defenseman.
Suter was fantastic both offensively (four goals, 32 points) and defensively in his first year with the Wild. Perhaps even more impressively was Suter did it while bringing along rookie defenseman Jonas Brodin as his partner the entire season. Suter might never live up to the absurd contract he signed last summer, but there's no doubting his status as one of the best blueliners in the game. The winner of the award will be announced at the NHL awards show in June.

Jonas Brodin made a solid case for himself to be among the finalists for the Calder Trophy, but he didn't end up making the cut.
He led all rookies in average ice time per game at 23:12, but his 11 points and plus-3 rating paled in comparison to the totals of some other first-year blueliners in the league. After three playoff matches, Brodin has averaged nearly 29 minutes of ice time per game, while skating alongside Ryan Suter. He has the potential to become a solid defenseman, but his future as a fantasy asset is unclear due to his lack of production.

Minnesota has summoned Mathew Dumba from the minors.
With Houston knocked out of the AHL playoffs, Dumba will join the ranks of the Wild's taxi squad during the NHL postseason.

Carson McMillan has been called up by Minnesota.
He will join the Black Aces practice squad of the Wild because Houston has been eliminated from the AHL playoffs.

Jason Pominville (upper body) participated in Monday's optional practice.
He probably won't be ready to play in Game 4 on Tuesday night though, as he hasn't had much on-ice work since getting hurt on April 23.

Jason Pominville sat out his fifth straight game with an upper body injury.
He has not been practicing and the rumor that he has a concussion is looking more and more probable at this time. Clayton Stoner also was missing from the lineup in Game 3.

Zenon Konopka was a healthy scratch Sunday.
He was joined in the press box by Mikael Granlund, Nathan Prosser, Jacob Dowell and Brett Clark. Konopka missed Game 1 but played in the second game of the series. He will likely be shuffled in and out of the lineup while Minnesota remains in the playoffs.

Mikko Koivu was held pointless yet again in Game 3 but won 15 of 20 faceoffs.
Koivu has been a bit of a disappointment offensively but that has carried over from the regular season as he finished the season with 11 goals and 37 points in 48 games but had only two goals and four points in 14 April games. He is contributing in the faceoff dot but the Wild need him to start scoring if they hope to upset the Blackhawks.

Niklas Backstrom (lower body) is not being rushed back into action because of the strong play of Josh Harding.
Backstrom was injured in the pre-game warmups before Game 1 and while he has started to practice, he is still not well enough to back up Harding as Darcy Kuemper has the job. Backstrom may not see action in Game 4 as well as Harding has been stellar between the pipes.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard was outstanding on Sunday as he scored a goal and added an assist.
The normally mild mannered Bouchard was all over the ice, throwing out an occasional bodycheck and playing very well defensively. "That's the best hockey game that I've seen him play," coach Mike Yeo said. "For me, that was the best. He was a very, very good player tonight." It was Bouchard's first two points of the post-season and the winger is now a plus-three.

Josh Harding got his first playoff win in this 2013 series against the Chicago Blackhawks as the Minnesota Wild beat them 3-2 in OT on Sunday.
Harding stopped 25 out of 27 shots in that contest. Harding has been good-to-great during this series after Niklas Backstrom was injured during the pre-game warm-up of Game 1. Oddly enough, Harding was a little banged up before today's game.

Jason Zucker scored the 3-2 overtime-winner to get the Minnesota Wild back in their first-round series against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.
That's the first goal of his postseason career. The 21-year-old has actually been one of the Wild's best offensive players so far in this series, creating chances and also generating an assist. In other news, Zach Parise finally found the net to relieve a little pressure on Minnesota's top players.

In case there was any doubt, it's been confirmed that Josh Harding will start for the Minnesota Wild against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 on Saturday.
This is close to a must-win game for the Wild being that they're down 2-0 in the first-round series. Harding has been solid and sometimes fantastic, yet he hasn't gotten much help from his teammates so far.

Updating an earlier item: the Wild have recalled Stephane Veilleux from Houston.
Just an FYI. The 31-year-old had three goals and eight points this season in Houston.

The Minnesota Wild have recalled Mikael Granlund from the minors.
Granlund is considered the Wild's best prospect but had a tough rookie season as he had only two goals and eight points in 27 NHL games. The Wild will likely switch their lines around for Game 3 and Granlund could draw into the lineup before the end of the playoffs as Minnesota could use some offensive flair, something that Granlund has in abundance. Look for Granlund to be a special player in his career but he may require a couple of seasons before having a lot of fantasy value.

The Minnesota Wild have recalled Jacob Dowell from the minors.
Dowell played in only two games with the Wild this season and was recalled after the Houston Aeros were eliminated in the AHL playoffs. He had four goals and nine points in 37 games for Houston with 34 minutes and managed one assist in four playoff games. He is a depth player for the Wild at this time.

Clayton Stoner is out with an upper body injury.
Stoner was injured in Game 1 and did not practice again on Saturday. Do not expect him to be in the Minnesota lineup for Game 3 Sunday.

Stephane Veilleux is expected to be recalled by the Minnesota Wild now that the Houston Aeros have been eliminated from the AHL playoffs.
The Wild will likely recall others although it has yet to be determined who else will come up. Veilleux did not play with the Wild this season but managed 21 games last season.

There is still no updates on Jason Pominville who has missed the last four games with an upper body injury.
Pominville did not practice Saturday so his status for Game 3 has to be doubtful. The Wild missed his offensive prowess. It is thought that he has a concussion but that has not been confirmed.

Coach Mike Yeo is thinking about splitting up his top line of Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu and Charlie Coyle.
While the troika has 17 shots on goal in the first two games, they have yet to find the back of the net. "If we think (splitting up the top line) is what we need, then that's something we would be willing to do, for sure," Yeo said. "Again, we're coming home. It's a little bit of a different situation now. . . . I think because we played one game that wasn't good, I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel here." Stay tuned as the Wild play Chicago in Game 3 Sunday.

Clayton Stoner (undisclosed) didn't participate in Saturday's practice.
Stoner sustained the ailment in Game 1 of the Wild's first-round series. The Wild are listing him as day-to-day.

Jason Pominville (upper body) was not on the ice with the Wild on Saturday.
It would be surprising if Pominville played in Game 3 on Sunday. He's been out since April 23 with what's believed to be a concussion.

Niklas Backstrom (lower body) participated in Minnesota's practice on Saturday.
Backstrom said he's improved, but the Wild aren't saying if he'll play on Sunday. Harding has a 2.64 GAA and .929 save percentage in two starts against Chicago in Backstrom's absence.

Mikko Koivu has been playing poorly for the Minnesota Wild in its opening-round playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks.
On Friday night, during the Hawks' 5-2 win over the Wild, he had no points and missed good chances. "The only way Koivu got his name in the boxscore was by taking ridiculous penalties," wrote Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune. "Three of them. He finished minus-3, and the details were as telling as the results."

Josh Harding earned high praise from his Minnesota Wild coach, Mike Yeo, despite the team's 5-2 playoff loss to the Blackhawks in Chicago Friday night.
Harding allowed four goals on 47 shots. Yeo said Harding was "fantastic. We just left him out to dry tonight." The Wild, down 2-0 in the series, took 28 shots at Chicago goalie Corey Crawford Friday night.

Zach Parise was scoreless for the second straight game despite taking seven shots in Friday's Game 2 loss.
Five of Parise's shots came during a power play in the second period, including three in rapid-fire order that Corey Crawford somehow kept out of the net. The seven total shots are five more than the high-priced addition had in Game 1, but it was hardly enough for the Wild to keep up with the high-flying Blackhawks. Perhaps Parise and the Wild will be able to get some offensive momentum going behind a home crowd Sunday. If they don't, it'll likely be a quick series.

Devin Setoguchi scored his first postseason goal Friday night since he potted seven during the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs with San Jose.
Setoguchi's goal stemmed the Hawks' tide for a while Friday night, but the Wild were unable to hold the fort for long. Chicago scored three times in the third period to take a 2-0 lead in the series, which heads back to Minnesota for Game 3 on Sunday.

Josh Harding allowed four goals on 47 shots in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Harding did everything he could to keep the Wild in the game in the first period, stopping 16 of 17 shots and limiting the Blackhawks to only a 1-0 lead. Harding's strong play continued in the second and the Wild tried to claw back into the game, but Chicago's high-powered attack was too much. The Wild have given Harding just three goals of support in two games and trail the series 2-0. Even if Niklas Backstrom returns in Game 3, it won't matter who's in net unless the Wild start putting some pucks in the net.

Niklas Backstrom is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
He was injured in the warmup Tuesday night and it doesn't look like he will be available to play by Friday in Game 2. If Backstrom can't play then Josh Harding will start again and Darcy Kuemper will dress as the backup.

Darcy Kuemper has been summoned from the minors by Minnesota.
Number one goalie Niklas Backstrom suffered a lower-body injury during the warmups before Game 1 against Chicago on Tuesday. His status hasn't been determined yet for Game 2, but if he can't play then Kuemper will dress as Josh Harding's backup.

Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo confirmed that Niklas Backstrom has a lower body injury.
Backstrom was expected to start in the Wild's first-round opener on Tuesday, but he sustained the ailment during the warmups. "Pretty much getting ready to pull up the lineup and post the lineup and sure enough find out that he's not suited to go, so that was a bit of a curve ball to say the least," Yeo said. It's not clear if Backstrom is a possibility for Game 2.

Josh Harding did a wonderful job in the crease for Minnesota in Game 1's 2-1 overtime defeat versus Chicago Tuesday night.
He stopped 35 of 37 shots after getting the start on very short notice. Niklas Backstrom, who was supposed to get the nod, was hurt in the pregame warmup so Harding was thrust into action. He played the entire contest without a backup. Harding appeared in only five games during the regular season because of complications he experienced with the medicine for his multiple sclerosis.

Cal Clutterbuck registered a goal in his first NHL playoff game in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime loss to Chicago.
Clutterbuck scored from defenseman Clayton Stoner early in the first period to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead, but the Wild were outlasted by the Blackhawks in the postseason opener of the series. Ryan Suter led all skaters in the contest with a whopping 41:08 of ice time. He posted a minus-1 rating and four blocks.

Josh Harding will start for Minnesota on Tuesday night against Chicago in Game 1.
Niklas Backstrom was injured during the warmup, so Harding will get his first start since Jan. 30 when he allowed two goals on four shots against the Blackhawks before getting the hook.

Niklas Backstrom was forced to leave the ice during warmups with what appeared to be an injury.
He reportedly hurt himself while reaching for rebound and it's not clear if he will be available to start Tuesday night against Chicago. If he can't play then Josh Harding could get the nod in his place in Game 1.

Jason Pominville (upper body) will not play in Game 1 on Tuesday night.
Pominville appeared likely to return tonight after Monday's practice, but it's unclear what happened to change things. The Wild will really miss Pominville Tuesday night against Chicago. His status for Game 2 is uncertain at this point. Zenon Kenopka will be in the lineup for Pominville.

Dany Heatley (shoulder) skated alone Monday and was spotted firing pucks, as well, during the session.
Heatley underwent surgery on his dislocated shoulder April 7 and is supposed to be done for the season. However, it appears possible he could return depending on how far the Wild go. He's likely definitely out for the first round, which means the Wild would have to upset the top-seeded Blackhawks for Heatley to have a chance to return.

Stephane Veilleux has been returned to the minors.
He played in 21 games with the Wild last season, but hasn't played at all in the NHL this year.

Coach Mike Yeo wouldn't declare Jason Pominville fit to play Tuesday against Chicago in Game 1 if Minnesota's opening-round playoff series.
However, he appears to be likely to return to the lineup from an upper-body injury. "[Pominville] looked good in practice today," said Yeo on Monday. "He's a big part of our team in a lot of areas. The offenisve threat that he is, smart player, plays in all situations for us, and as much as anything else, the experience that he has in the playoffs and his leadership, obviously he's a big part of our team."

Marco Scandella was paired with Jared Spurgeon during Monday's practice.
It appears as though he will dress in Game 1 versus Chicago with Justin Falk drawing out of the lineup. Scandella hasn't played since Feb. 7 and was slowed by a groin injury that he suffered in the minors during the lockout.

Jason Pominville (upper body) took to the ice Monday for practice.
He skated with Kyle Brodziak and Pierre-Marc Bouchard in the session, which is encouraging after he missed the last two games of the regular season with what is believed to be a head injury. Minnesota begins their playoff series at Chicago on Tuesday night.

There have been no updates on Jason Pominville who is out with an upper body injury.
Pominville's status for practice on Monday is up in the air at this time, as is his possible insertion into the lineup for Game 1 against Chicago Tuesday. Should Pominville be able to play in Game 1, he may see action on the third line with Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Kyle Brodziak, as the first two units have played well in his absence. Stay tuned.

Niklas Backstrom will see playoff action for the first time since the 2007-08 season.
It has been five years for the Wild and Backstrom, who is on the final year of his contract, is thrilled to be back in the post-season. "The past few years were really tough," Backstrom said. "But I didn't want to go somewhere else and chase a [Stanley] Cup. I wanted to be part of building a team into a playoff team and then a contender. And I wished, I hoped, this would be the team." Backstrom was 24-15-3 this season with a 2.48 GAA and a .909 save percentage. He hopes to get another contract with the Wild, the only NHL team he has played for.

Jason Zucker made an impact for the Wild in its season finale against Colorado Saturday.
Zucker was recalled from Houston to suit up for the game and he took his spot alongside line mates Matt Cullen and Devin Setoguchi, helping the trio generate 11 shots on goal in the contest.

Devin Setoguchi finally scored a goal in the Wild's win over Colorado to end the regular season.
The goal was the first marker for the talented winger in 15 games and turned out to be an important one for the Wild, who needed the victory to qualify for postseason play. He's a risky selection in playoff pools.

Niklas Backstrom faced 30 shots and made 29 saves in Minnesota's playoff-clinching 3-1 win over the Avalanche on Saturday night.
Backstrom has had a see-saw season, ending the year with a 2.48 goals-against average and .909 save percentage. He has a 3-8 career playoff record.

Zach Parise tickled the twine for the Wild in their 3-1 win over the Avalanche on Saturday night.
The win sealed a playoff spot for the first time in five years. They'll have their work cut out for them, though, facing the Presidents' Trophy-winning Blackhawks in the first round. Devin Setoguchi and Pierre-Marc Bouchard potted the other goals.

Stephane Veilleux has been summoned by Minnesota.
Veilleux has three goals and five assists in 33 AHL games this season. He hasn't played in an NHL game this season.

Jason Zucker has been called up by the Minnesota Wild.
Zucker has four goals and five points in 19 games with Minnesota this season. He also has 50 points in 55 AHL contests.

Despite a disastrous result Friday night, Nicklas Backstrom will be back in the Minnesota Wild net today when the team visits the Avalanche in Colorado for the regular-season finale.
The Wild must win this game to qualify for the playoffs. Backstrom, after being yanked with 1:22 left in the first period (three goals on five shots) of Friday night's 6-1 home embarrassment at the hands of Edmonton, is 10-2-1 in his past 13 at Colorado with a 2.10 goals against average and .935 save percentage. Backstrom is 21-3-4 with a 1.84 goals against average and a .933 save percentage in starts after being pulled (non-injury) in his career, including 17-1-2 with a 1.67 goals against average and a .940 save percentage since March 26, 2008. The Wild needs Backstrom, who has been arguably overused beyond belief by the Wild, to step up big-time. Otherwise, this could be the last you see of Backstrom in a Wild uniform.

Ryan Suter, acquired as a free agent by the Minnesota Wild before this season, is a shoe-in to be chosen the Norris Trophy winner as the NHL`s top defenseman in 2013, according to Wild coach Mike Yeo.
As far as Yeo is concerned, Suter and teammate Jonas Brodin are "tap-ins (for the Norris and Calder Trophies, respectively). It's automatic.`` The Calder Trophy goes to the NHL`s top rookie player. Ryan has really taken [Brodin] under his wing and guided this kid," Yeo said. "Whether it's teaching him about the league and players and what to expect and tendencies, but more importantly, just dealing mentally every day, getting yourself prepared . coming to the rink being a pro, you can't ask for a better example."

Dany Heatley, who underwent shoulder surgery April 8 for a dislocation as well as what's believed to be a torn labrum, is supposed to be out through the playoffs, but he was not discounting the possibility of returning to the lineup if the Wild makes the postseason.
Heatley, who had played full 82-game seasons in five of the past seven years, would only say his shoulder is feeling good.

With the Wild's season on the brink and facing a potential must-win tonight at Colorado, Minnesota is expected to recall former University of Denver star Jason Zucker and energy bug Stephane Veilleux for tonight's game.
It sounds like Jake Dowell and Carson McMillan will be returned to AHL Houston. The Wild suffered a devastating defeat Friday, a 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, but if the team wins its final regular-season game today against the Avalanche, it is in the playoffs.

Needing a win to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2008, the Wild laid an egg Friday night and the Edmonton Oilers spoiled the party with a 6-1 victory.
This was a choke of epic proportions for the Wild, who can still claim the eighth-and-final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a win in Colorado over the Avalanche Saturday. "I don't know what to say," said Wild center Matt Cullen. "It was one of the weirdest games I've ever played in. It was strange. But bottom line is that we got spanked in a game that we absolutely needed to win. It's one of those things that leaves you shaking your head."

Niklas Backstrom allowed three goals on only five shots and was pulled in the Wild's 6-1 loss to the Oilers Friday night.
With a playoff berth on the line, the Minnesota Wild just laid a big egg tonight. With the loss tonight, the Wild are leaving the playoff door open for the Red Wings and Blue Jackets. As for Backstrom, he has struggled to get in the win column at the worst possible time for his fantasy owners.

Mikko Koivu scored the Wild's lone goal in a devastating 6-1 loss to the Oilers Friday night.
Koivu is probably the heart and soul of the Minnesota Wild. With the goal tonight, Koivu now has 36 points in this shortened season. We wouldn't be surprised if the Finnish center reaches the 70-point mark for the second time in his career next year, that's if he can stay healthy.

Jason Pominville (upper body) won't play on Friday.
The belief is that he has a head injury, but the Wild won't confirm that. The good news is that Pominville said he's feeling okay, so he might not be experiencing concussion-like symptoms.

Michael Rupp (lower body) will return on Friday.
Rupp missed four contests due to the ailment. He has four points and 67 penalty minutes in 38 games this season.