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Harding shuts out Stars in first start since MS diagnosis

Minnesota Wild v Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 04: Josh Harding #37 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates an empty net goal by Cal Clutterbuck #22 to seal a 5-3 win against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center on December 4, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Josh Harding got an early indication that something might be wrong on Sept. 27 when Wild team doctor Dan Peterson noticed an abnormality on Harding’s MRI. That led to more tests and resulted in Harding being told that he had multiple sclerosis.

He admitted that he felt bad for himself initially, but in the end he was determined to continue his career.

“I know what my overall goal is to be, and that’s a No. 1 goalie of the Minnesota Wild and to win a Stanley Cup here,” Harding said in November. “It would make me happy to overcome this. Not just overcome this, but to really succeed with it.”

For at least one night, Harding did just that. In his first start since his diagnosis, Harding turned aside 24 shots to lead the Minnesota Wild in a 1-0 victory over the Dallas Stars. His efforts included stopping three shots on goal from Jaromir Jagr, who had four points against the Phoenix Coyotes just one night earlier.

“It’s been a tough couple months here and this made it all worth it,” Harding said, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Michael Russo.