CHICAGO – For a second consecutive postseason, the Wild's goaltending situation entering a series against the Chicago Blackhawks is in flux.
What else is new?
The Wild has dealt with a never-ending goalie scramble for a few years. Minutes into warmups before Game 1 of the first round last year in Chicago, Niklas Backstrom suffered a series-ending abdominal injury. That thrust Josh Harding, who hadn't started in two months because of complications with multiple sclerosis, into the No. 1 seat.
When the Wild opens the second round Friday night against the Blackhawks, Ilya Bryzgalov — the Wild's fourth No. 1 goalie this season — will get the start because rookie Darcy Kuemper — the Wild's third No. 1 goalie this season — sustained an undisclosed injury Wednesday night in Game 7 of the first round against the Colorado Avalanche.
Coach Mike Yeo provided no Kuemper update Thursday, but John Curry, the Wild's fifth goalie, is expected to serve as Bryzgalov's backup at least for Game 1. The Wild was in the process of getting Harding's gear to Chicago so he can resume skating with the team. Harding hasn't played since Dec. 31 because of complications with MS.
"I don't know how many goalies we've had this year, but I think we're used to it," captain Mikko Koivu said.
That is the most impressive thing about the Wild. Such goaltending instability conceivably could destroy a team, but the Wild continues to chug along winning games no matter who's in net.
"We've had a pretty unique goaltending situation this year, but it really hasn't affected us in the locker room at all," Zach Parise said. "We're comfortable with whoever we're playing with and it really hasn't changed the way we play at all."