Wild's injury jinx continues in Colorado

Niklas Backstrom left the ice after aggravating his groin Saturday, and Stephane Veilleux was struck on the left cheek by a shot.

Last update: November 10, 2007 - 7:52 PM

ENGLEWOOD, COLO. It must be the high altitude or something. Every time the Wild comes to Denver, players drop like flies.

Two weeks ago, it was goalie Niklas Backstrom and right winger Marian Gaborik who injured groins. Ten minutes into Saturday's practice, Backstrom left the ice after aggravating his groin. Ten minutes later, left winger Stephane Veilleux was struck on the left cheek by a shot.

Veilleux, with a swollen cheekbone and gash, was taken to a Denver hospital and is unlikely to play tonight. An update is expected today, but the Wild plans to recall forward Aaron Voros. Backstrom is listed as probable, but the Wild intends to call up third goalie Nolan Schaefer as insurance this morning.

"Nothing to be worried about," said Backstrom, 7-1-1 this season and 2-0 since missing three games because of the groin injury. "It's a little stiff today, so it's better to get off."

Backstrom is an Avalanche killer (4-0-1 lifetime), but backup Josh Harding likely will start. He's 0-3-1 in his past four starts with a 3.44 goals-against average and .879 save percentage.

Gaborik, who has missed three of the past five games because of a strained groin, looked terrific during the Wild's 30-minute practice Saturday.

"Feels good, but I'll know more [today]," Gaborik said.

MICHAEL RUSSO