***IN THE SLOT*** A RECAP OF LAST NIGHT'S ACTION IN THE NHL MINNESOTA 1 @ CHICAGO 2 OT The Wild made it clear last night that they have no intention of just rolling over for the Blackhawks, as they forced them into overtime. Minnesota actually scored first on a goal by Cal Clutterbuck, but Chicago wore them down firing 37 shota at goaltender Josh Harding. Harding was a last minute starter, as Niklas Backstrom hurt himself in the warmup. Bryan Bickell scored the game winner on a nice pass from Viktor Stalberg. Corey Crawford had 26 saves for the win. LOS ANGELES KINGS 1 @ ST. LOUIS 2 OT read more

Niklas Backstrom was hurt in warmups and Harding will get the start for Wild. Backstrom missed close to two months with MS. It will be a tough series for whoever is in the WIld goal.

If the Wild clinch a playoff spot vs. the Kings or Oilers, Harding should get the start. Stay tuned for a more firm confirmation closer to gametime.

This was the plan all along as Harding will rejoin the team and backup Backstrom going into the playoffs.

Harding continues to improve but is probably not fantasy relevant at this point in the season.

Darcy Kuemper will remain at least until Harding is ready to return. I assume he would need a number of practices.

It was discovered last fall that Harding had multiple sclerosis. It was hoped that it could be contained with proper treatment. But, after his body didn't react well to his medication, he was put on injured reserve Feb. 12 . That began a weeks-long process of trying to find the right treatment combination. A process that was, for Harding, at times very difficult. Harding is confident in his new treatment regimen. He has been working out hard for a week and a half. He had skated twice before Thursday, but hadn't taken any shots. That's why being in net and taking shots was so important. There is no timetable for his return. That won't be determined until Harding, the doctors, coach Mike Yeo and general manager Chuck Fletcher all get together and talk about the situation.

Harding was supposed to be the starter for the Wild tonight but has been feeling a little "off" lately. This is unfortunate for the 28 year-old netminder becuase MS can certainly derail a career.

Harding got beat up for 5 goals against the Red Wings in his last start, and it doesn't get any easier for him tonight as he takes on the undefeated Blackhawks.

Nihlstorp will get his second start of the year tonight against the Blues. He played well in his first game only giving up 1 goal but still taking the loss, as the Stars were shutout by Minnesota's Josh Harding.