Being Backup is just Harding’s Ticket

Josh Harding, the Minnesota Wild goaltender of the future, will no longer be limited by that particular title. Harding is ready to step up to be net-minder luminary Niklas Backstrom’s backup, and the Wild signed him to a multi-year deal. With Manny Fernandez shipped off to Boston, Harding will no longer have to compete for backup time. Backstrom will undoubtedly need a rest periodically throughout the season, giving Harding those spot chances to shine that he so specially excelled in last year. In seven games last season, Harding put up a 3-2-1 record with a phenomenal, if not fluky, 1.16 goals against average and a .960 save percentage. He also recorded two shutouts. I’m anxious to see if Harding can keep up these amazing performances in his primary backup role.