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Backstrom (concussion) ready to rejoin Wild

Niklas Backstrom

Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom, of Finland, in action against the San Jose Sharks during an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, April 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

AP

Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom is ready to return this afternoon after missing four straight games due to a concussion, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Michael Russo.

This has been a rough campaign for Backstrom, who has also missed time due to a knee injury. Even when he has been healthy, Backstrom has struggled with a 3.30 GAA and .874 save percentage in seven contests.

He entered the season as the Wild’s starter, but Josh Harding has put that into question with his superb play. Harding will still start against Winnipeg while Backstrom will warm the bench.

Backstrom needed to be activated off of the injured reserve list so that he could join the Wild for Saturday’s match. Minnesota has also sent 23-year-old goalie Darcy Kuemper to AHL Iowa.

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