Cautious Wild wants Fernandez to start over

Last update: March 21, 2007 - 9:15 PM

Manny Fernandez, who has played one period since aggravating his sprained left knee Jan. 30, will not suit up again this regular season. The Wild goaltender has started his rehab again with the goal of getting healthy for the start of the playoffs.

"We're going to treat Manny right now as if he's starting from the injury," said assistant GM Tom Lynn. "The signal on the MRI showed that either it hadn't healed enough or he re-tweaked [the injury]. So that this doesn't keep going on ... let's start over, because we want him ready for the playoffs."

Fernandez backed up for six consecutive games before aggravating the injury Friday in Calgary. He has begun treatment, which he'll receive until he's strong enough to skate.

"I think the last time was a three- or four-week course," Lynn said. "We're going to treat it like it's new. We don't want to go through this thing again."

Lynn said doctors are hoping for the week of April 9-17. Of course, by that point coach Jacques Lemaire might feel more comfortable going with Josh Harding as Niklas Backstrom's backup.

"Destiny has a way of entering into things," Lynn said. "We're convinced we need [Fernandez] healthy for the playoffs. That's what we're aiming for."

MICHAEL RUSSO