Wild goalie out after ‘feeling a bit off’
Minnesota Wild backup goalie Josh Harding, who was diagnosed last fall with multiple sclerosis, has been forced to step away from playing, a move he hopes is only temporary.
The 28-year-old from Regina told reporters Tuesday at Rogers Arena that he felt “a little off” possibly due to a change in his medication. Harding has appeared in four games this season, including a relief appearance last Thursday against the Canucks when he stopped all six shots he faced in the third period. He also shut out the Dallas Stars on Jan. 20.
“Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit off and we kind of knew this was a possibility,” explained Harding, who did partake in the Wild’s morning skate Tuesday. “I’m staying positive, though, and it’ll get better here quick. I’m not going to go into too many details about it. Right now, I’m a little off and the decision was made to take this (game) off and just take care of it right now.”
Harding had been expected to start against the Canucks after No. 1 man Niklas Backstrom played Monday in Calgary. He did not even dress for the game. Instead, the Wild summoned 22-year-old Darcy Kuemper from their American League affiliate, the Houston Aeros.
“Right now, it’s day to day,” Harding continued. “I’m just taking every day and seeing how I feel. I have to deal with it.
“Coming into this, I knew it wasn’t going to be the most perfect road.”