Let the speculation begin

As if playing out the final year of a contract is not enough to fuel speculation that a certain possible UFA All-Star goaltender may be put up on the auction block, throw into the mix a performance like the one put on by our backup goaltender, and you might as well cozy up to your computer with your favorite beverage because the rumors will be starting to fly.

I was asked by a co-worker about Minnesota Wild backup goaltender Josh Harding and admittedly, I did not know what to say. It's not as if we have been given a chance to evaluate his play that much, as he has only appeared in 14 games this season. And that is how it goes for a seldom used player. But might we have a hidden gem waiting too emerge? It certainly may look like we do, if his performance in last nights 2-1 victory over the Chicago Black Hawks is any indication of what we have missed and/or are missing. It's too bad that we have not had the chance to see Harding more this season, although it's hard to argue the goaltender rotation with the numbers starter Niklas Backstrom has put up.

With a career high 44 saves, Harding was simply unbelievable in the nets for the Wild. He not only made the 'tough' saves that he had to, he came up with some impossible stops as well. Included in that bunch were several back-door plays that were set-up perfectly by the Hawks, only to see our gem coming away with the puck. It might have been only the second win (in 9 starts) of the season for Harding, but it looked to me like we had a guy in the goal who was on pace to win 48 games, which is the record for wins in a season (Martin Brodeur 2006-07).

It was really something too see...and if it were not for a great game by Harding, I am afraid we would all be talking today about how our Wild were incapable of winning back-to-back games. But instead, Harding stood on his head and stole 2 much needed road points. The game was lopsided from the get-go, as Chicago pummeled the Wild net with 45 shots and nearly doubled-up the Wild in shot totals for the game. Minnesota did find a way to mount a come-back after falling behind 1-0 in the 2nd period, but as soon as the Wild gained a 2-1 lead early in the 3rd, the Black Hawks had their way again as they looked to even-up the score. Fortunately for the Wild, they had Harding to shut the door.

So, get ready for the rumors on when and where Backstrom may be headed now that NHL and Wild fans have seen something in Harding. But keep in mind before you start one yourself, that our gem has only played in 53 career games in a span of only 4 seasons. Yes it would be nice to know a bit more about our backup's capabilities, but I am afraid we will have to settle for what we just saw, which was pretty darn awesome.

And before I forget, you can all applaud now.