Description: Wild goalie Josh Harding will start Game 5 against the Blackhawks Thursday night.
Insight: Harding suffered a lower-body injury on a collision with Jonathan Toews in Game 4 and had to leave the game. He's playing due to the lower-body injury suffered by Niklas Backstrom during pre-game warmups for Game 1, so the Wild had to turn to third-string netminder Darcy Kuemper Tuesday. Minnesota trailed the series 3-1.
Description: Wild goalie Josh Harding had to leave Game 3 Tuesday against the Blackhawks after colliding with Jonathan Toews.
Insight: Harding has an undisclosed injury. He already was playing in place of Niklas Backstrom, who suffered a lower-body injury during pre-game warmups for Game 1. The Wild had to turn to Darcy Kuemper, a rookie who just celebrated his 23rd birthday two days ago.
Description: Wild goalie Josh Harding will start in net again in Game 2 against the Blackhawks.
Insight: Harding was forced into duty when starter Niklas Backstrom suffered a lower-body injury reaching for a rebound during pre-game warmups, and he took top-seeded Chicago to overtime in a 2-1 loss.
Description: Wild netminder Niklas Backstrom suffered a lower-body injury Tuesday while reaching for a rebound in pre-game warmups prior to Game 1 of the team's playoff series against Chicago.
Insight: Backstrom tied for the NHL lead with 24 wins and had a 2.48 GAA this season, so this is obviously a big loss for the eighth-seeded Wild. Josh Harding will start for the first time since allowing two goals in seven minutes Jan. 30 against these same Chicago Blackhawks.
Description: Wild forward Jason Pominville (upper body) will miss Game 1 of Minnesota's first round playoff series against the Blackhawks on Tuesday, according to Tracey Myers of CSNChicago.com
Insight: Pominville practiced Monday and appeared ready to play, so this is surprising. Minnesota already is a steep undergo against top-seeded Chicago, and not having Pominville will make pulling off an upset even tougher.
Description: Wild right wing Dany Heatley underwent successful shoulder surgery on April 8 and missed the remainder of the regular season, but has not ruled himself out for returning sometime in the playoffs.
Insight: We don't think he'll try to come back until next season, but all he would say when asked was that his shoulder "is feeling good."
Description: Wild forward Jason Pominville is questionable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals Tuesday against Chicago with an upper-body injury.
Insight: Pominville took part in Monday's practice, so we're leaning to his being likely to play. He' posted 14 goals and 20 assist in 47 games this season.
Description: Wild forward Jason Pominville is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, according to the Star Tribune.
Insight: Pominville took an elbow to the face from Dustin Brown of the Kings Tuesday night. Brown has been suspended for the final two games of the regular season. The team isn't calling Pominville's injury a concussion just yet, but the forward was wobbly coming off the ice Tuesday.
Description: Wild right wing Dany Heatley will miss the rest of the season after undergoing successful shoulder surgery Tuesday, the team announced. SOURCE: NHL.com
Insight: Heatley hurt his shoulder on April 3 falling awkwardly on the ice while fighting with Marc-Edouard Vlasic of the Sharks after Vlasic cross-checked Heatley after the final buzzer. The team said Heatley should be ready for the start of the 2013-14 season.
Description: Wild netminder Niklas Backstrom saved 24 shots Sunday in a 3-0 win against Columbus.
Insight: It was Backstrom's second shutout of the year and the 28th of his career. Backstrom's numbers have been pretty pedestrian this season (2.52 GAA, .910 save percentage entering Sunday) but he'll help out fantasy owners with a strong game every now and then.
Description: Jason Pominville will make his Wild debut Thursday against the Kings. He was acquired from the Sabres at the trade deadline.
Insight: Pominville will skate with Miko Koivu and Zach Parise immediately upon his arrivial, according to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune. That should give his fantasy value a shot in the arm.
Description: Wild right wing Dany Heatley injured his arm late in Wednesday's loss to San Jose.
Insight: Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune is hearing that the injury should sideline Heatley "for a while." Fantasy owners might want to think about hitting the waiver wire for a replacement.
Description: Minnesota center Matt Cullen did not travel to California with the team and will miss Wednesday's game against San Jose.
Insight: Cullen has been a solid fantasy option with seven goals, 18 assists and a +6 rating in 35 games this season, though we would like him more if he were productive on the power play.
Description: Wild defenseman Ryan Suter scored the game-tying goal Wednesday against the Coyotes with 55 seconds left in the third period.
Insight: The Suter signing is looking great for Minnesota after a rough start. The blueliner had four points and a -7 over his first 10 games with the team but he has three goals, 23 points and a +9 over his last 22 games.
Description: Minnesota center Mikko Koivu assisted on the game-tying goal with 55 seconds remaining in the third period Wednesday and went on to score the game-winner in overtime.
Insight: Koivu is on a roll with three goals and eight points during a five-game scoring streak. He has 16 points over his last 12 games to help the Wild go 10-2 in that span.
Description: Wild defenseman Ryan Suter has 17 points over his last 13 games.
Insight: Suter had a pair of helpers Saturday against San Jose. The blueliner had nine points in his first 17 games but he is making up for his slow start.
Description: Minnesota right wing Devin Setoguchi scored twice Wednesday in a 4-2 win over Detroit.
Insight: Setoguchi is in the midst of his most productive stretch of the season. Over his last five games, the former first-round pick has registered six goals and two assists with a +6 rating. It's no coincidence that the Wild have won four in a row and six of their last seven. Setoguchi has played a major role in Minnesota's resurgence over the past month.
Description: Minnesota center Mike Rupp is questionable for Monday's game against Vancouver after failing to get through practice. He's dealing with a lower body injury.
Insight: Rupp has no offensive game (1 G, 2 A), but has accumulated 41 penalty minutes in 26 games, if you need help in that category.
Description: Wild right wing Devin Setoguchi netted a pair of goals Saturday in a win over Colorado.
Insight: Setoguchi is putting himself in the discussion for player of the week honors. He's now tallied four goals in his last three games with a +4 rating over that span. Surprisingly, Setoguchi is owned in fewer than eight percent of ESPN leagues at the moment.
Description: Minnesota winger Jason Zucker is questionable for Saturday's game against Colorado with a head injury after being hit by Corey Perry.
Insight: Zucker has four goals and an assist in 11 games this season, but also has a history for concussions, so you may want to look elsewhere for fantasy options.
Description: Minnesota winger Jason Zucker is doubtful for Thursday's game against Colorado with a head injury after being hit by Corey Perry.
Insight: Zucker has four goals and an assist in 11 games this season, but also has a history for concussions, so this one could keep him out for a while.
Description: Minnesota Wild winger Zach Parise scored his ninth goal of the season Saturday against the Predators.
Insight: Parise's return home to Minnesota has gone south lately. He started out with five goals and nine points in his first five games but has produced just four goals and seven points over his last 18.
Description: Wild defenseman Ryan Suter extended his scoring streak to six games with an assist against Nashville, his former team, Saturday night.
Insight: Suter was signed away from Nashville last summer. He got off to a slow start with just four points over his first 10 games but he has 12 points over his last 13.
Description: Wild right wing Cal Clutterbuck was activated from injured reserve and is probable for Saturday's game against Nashville.
Insight: Clutterbuck suffered a thigh injury when Oilers left wing Taylor Hall kneed him back on February 21 and missed the last six games. Friday he was skating in practice on a line with Kyle Brodziak and Dany Heatley.
Description: Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky accounted for both of New Jersey's goals Monday in a loss to the Maple Leafs.
Insight: That gives Zidlicky ten points for the season. His -3 rating leaves something to be desired but fantasy owners have to be impressed with his 22 penalty minutes this season.
Description: Wild right wing Cal Clutterbuck won't be available for Sunday's game against Edmonton. He's still dealing with a thigh injury.
Insight: Clutterbuck suffered the injury when Oilers left wing Taylor Hall kneed him back on February 21st. Sunday's game will mark Clutterbuck's fifth consecutive absence.
Description: Wild rookie goaltender Darcy Kuemper will draw the start Friday against the Ducks.
Insight: Kuemper is 1-1 with a 2.02 GAA and .934 SV% in his first two NHL starts. He has been serving as Niklas Backstrom's backup while Josh Harding deals with complications from multiple sclerosis.
Description: Minnesota Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck will miss Tuesday's game against Calgary with a bruised left thigh.
Insight: Clutterbuck left Thursday's game and didn't return after a hit by Taylor Hall, was suspended for two games as a result of the play. Playing on the third line Clutterbuck is only seeing about 13 minutes of ice time per game, has totaled three points in 14 games and has little fantasy value.
Description: Ottawa defenseman Mike Lundin is questionable for Monday's game against Montreal with flu-like symptoms.
Insight: Lundin has never shown any ability to be productive for fantasy owners. He's never scored more than 13 points in a season, hasn't had a plus rating in five seasons, doesn't accrue penalty minutes and has never taken more than 55 SOG in a season. Look elsewhere for defensive help.
Description: Minnesota winger Dany Heatley was dropped from the first to the third line Saturday and posted a minus-3 against Calgary. SOURCE: Star Tribune
Insight: Heatley only has one goal and three points over his last 12 games. Minnesota ranks 29th in the NHL with 2.06 goals per game despite inking Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to massive contracts last summer.
Description: Minnesota Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck is expected to miss Saturday's game against Calgary with a bruised left thigh.
Insight: Clutterbuck left Thursday's game and didn't return after a hit by Taylor Hall, who has been suspended for two games as a result of the play. Playing on the third line Clutterbuck is only seeing about 13 minutes of ice time per game, has totaled three points in 14 games and has little fantasy value.
Description: Minnesota Wild defenseman Justin Falk is questionable for Saturday's game against Calgary due to illness. He's already missed the last two Wild games.
Insight: Falk has little fantasy value with just one assist over the first 14 games.
Description: Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom will start Thursday's game against the Oilers. Backstrom missed Minnesota's last game due to an illness.
Insight: Backstrom (5-4-2, 2.39 GAA, .912 SV%) had plenty of time to recover and makes for a solid play Thursday. Minnesota has gone to overtime in each of Backstrom's last three starts.
Description: Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom didn't start Sunday due to an illness. The Wild have off until Thursday, so Backstrom has plenty of time to recover.
Insight: Backstrom (5-4-2, 2.39 GAA, .912 SV%) was scheduled to play but had to sit in favor of Darcy Kuemper, who beat Detroit with 29 saves for his first NHL win.
Description: Minnesota winger Dany Heatley lit the lamp for the fifth time this season Sunday against the Red Wings.
Insight: Heatley had four goals in the first five games but he hadn't had one since. In fact, he went without a point in eight straight before tallying two assists Thursday. With two SOG Sunday, Heatley is on pace for just 169 SOG per 82 games; the winger has taken at least 202 shots in nine of his 10 seasons and at least 217 in seven straight.
Description: Minnesota Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck is questionable for Sunday's game against Detroit with an upper body injury.
Insight: Clutterbuck left Thursday's game and didn't return. Playing on the third line he is only seeing about 13 minutes of ice time per game. Clutterbuck has totaled three points in 14 games and has little fantasy value.
Description: Goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been recalled by the Wild and is expected to make his NHL debut Tuesday against the Canucks. SOURCE: Michael Russo, Star Tribune.
Insight: Regular backup Josh Harding hasn't been feeling well as he tries out different medications for his multiple sclerosis. The 22-year-old Kuemper was named the WHL Goaltender and Player of the Year in 2010-11 after putting together a 45-12-15 record with a 1.86 GAA and .933 SV%.
Description: Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky still has zero goals this season but it won't be long before he scores if he keeps taking six SOG like he did Saturday versus Pittsburgh.
Insight: Zidlicky has four assists in 11 games but zero goals despite taking 26 SOG. He's New Jersey's top power-play defenseman and should be owned in all leagues.
Description: Minnesota Wild winger Zach Parise was too sick to practice Friday, which leaves his situation for Saturday's game against Nashville up in the air.
Insight: We should know more after the Saturday morning skate, but fantasy owners will have to check back before they drop the puck to verify that he's going to dress.
Description: Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom will make his third straight start Thursday versus the Canucks.
Insight: He has the No. 1 goaltender spot locked up. Backup Josh Harding hasn't played since giving up two goals in seven minutes on Jan. 30 against Chicago. Backstrom relieved Harding in that game and blanked Chicago in 58 minutes to pick up a win but has lost his last two starts.
Description: The Rangers sent center Mike Rupp to the Wild Monday in exchange for forwards Nick Palmieri and Daroll Powe.
Insight: None of the three players involved in the trade have registered a point yet in 2013. Rupp could be worth a look in deeper leagues if you're desperate for penalty minutes (100 PIM or more in three out of his last four seasons).
Description: Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom will start Friday's game against the Ducks.
Insight: Backstrom blanked Chicago in 58 minutes Wednesday after coming on in relief of Josh Harding. Harding has a shutout on his resume this season but he has allowed seven goals in 64 minutes in his other two starts. Backstrom could distance himself further from Harding with a strong start Friday.
Description: Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom came on in relief and blanked Chicago over 58 minutes Wednesday to deal the Blackhawks their first loss of any kind this season. Minnesota won 3-2 in a shootout.
Insight: Josh Harding gave up two goals in the first seven minutes and was yanked. Backstrom doesn't get credit for the shutout because he didn't start but it's still a performance that could widen the split between the two goaltenders. Backstrom has started four games to Harding's three this season.
Description: Wild backup goaltender Josh Harding will replace Niklas Backstrom Wednesday against the Blackhawks.
Insight: It's a tough assignment for the backup netminder against 6-0 Chicago. Harding shut out Dallas in his first start but allowed five goals to Detroit in a loss on Jan. 25. He will have started three games to Backstrom's four after Wednesday's game.
Description: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon is questionable for Wednesday's game against Chicago with a sore foot. He's missed the last three games.
Insight: Spurgeon has just one assist in three games this season, no penalty minutes and six shots. He posted 23 points last season (3 G, 20 A).
Description: The Wild will have Niklas Backstrom between the pipes Tuesday against the Blue Jackets.
Insight: Backstrom has been mediocre in two of three starts this season and is 1-1-1 with a 3.31 GAA. Josh Harding has also been cutting into his playing time and will likely start Wednesday against Chicago.
Description: Minnesota winger Dany Heatley has scored three goals on 14 shots in the first three games this season.
Insight: Heatley got one past the goaltender Tuesday against the Predators after scoring twice in the season opener. The winger's goals have slipped from his days of scoring 40-50, but he is still a serviceable fantasy option.
Description: Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom will get the start Tuesday versus Nashville.
Insight: Backstrom won the season opener with 25 saves on 27 shots in 60 minutes against the Avalanche. Nashville roughed up Blues ace goaltender Jaroslav Halak on Monday but Backstrom should still be started by fantasy owners on Tuesday.
Description: Wild backup goaltender Josh Harding will start Sunday against the Stars.
Insight: Starter Niklas Backstrom saved 25 of 27 shots in a win over Colorado on Saturday. Harding won 13 games in 30 starts and had a GAA of 2.62 and a SV% of .917 last season.
Description: Wild left wing Dany Heatley struck twice in a season-opening win over the Avalanche on Saturday.
Insight: Minnesota is expected to be much improved this season thanks to the additions of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter in the offseason. If Heatley can return to the form that made him a perennial 40-goal scorer earlier in his career, this team is really going to be tough to stop.
Description: Wild winger Pierre-Marc Bouchard says he is "pretty much symptom-free" after suffering a season-ending concussion last January. SOURCE: Michael Russo, Star Tribune
Insight: Bouchard scored 38 points in 59 games in 2010-11 and 22 points in 37 games last season. He will sit with the Wild staff this week to etch out a plan for training camp. He won't be cleared to play until he faces contact.
Description: Wild winger Pierre-Marc Bouchard is dealing with a concussion problem and has not been cleared to practice, according to a Star-Tribune report.
Insight: Bouchard scored 22 points in 37 games last season, but concussion injuries make him a big gamble for fantasy owners.
Description: Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom (ankle) is ready to play, according to a Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune report.
Insight: Backstrom (19-18-7, 2.43 GAA, .919 SV%) was supposed to head to Dynamo Minsk in the KHL during the lockout but re-injured the ankle and didn't leave Minnesota. We expect him to be ready for Opening Night, whenever that is.
Description: The Minnesota Wild continued their rebuilding process by adding 2012 NHL All-Star defenseman Ryan Suter to the roster.
Insight: Suter is a two-way player who not only plays solid defense (+15), but will add to the Wild's scoring ability (7 G, 39 A), something the team needs after scoring a league-low 177 goals last season.
Description: New Jersey winger Zach Parise will make Minnesota his home for the next 13 years after agreeing to a long-term deal with the Wild.
Insight: Parise scored 31 goals and had 38 assists for 69 points last season which was third-best on the Devils team behind Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias. His 69-point total was higher than anyone on the low-scoring Wild (30th with 177 goals), who were led by Dany Heatley's 53 points.
