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Odd warmups injury leads to Backstrom starting Saturday

Colorado Avalanche v Minnesota Wild

ST PAUL, MN - NOVEMBER 17: Niklas Backstrom #32 of the Minnesota Wild makes a glove save in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche on November 17, 2011 at Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Wild defeated the Avalanche 1-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Hannah Foslien

The Minnesota Wild activated goaltender Niklas Backstrom from the injured reserve list today with the intention of easing him back into the lineup after he missed four straight games due to a concussion. That plan fell apart in the minutes leading up to their game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Projected starter Josh Harding stepped on a puck during the pregame warmups and suffered an injury, according to CBC’s Elliotte Friedman. That forced the Wild to start Backstrom.

The Wild are in an awkward position now as they sent down 23-year-old goalie Darcy Kuemper earlier in the day.

Backstrom has a 3.30 GAA and .874 save percentage in seven contests this season and this is just his second start in November. He’s also missed time in 2013-14 because of a knee injury.

Minnesota has won five of its last six games, giving them a 14-5-4 record this season.

Update: Kuemper has rejoined the Wild and is now serving as the team’s backup.

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