Backstrom / Harding question

[Seeds of Grapes]

Seriously, why does everyone believe that Harding, and not Backstrom, will be Minn\'s no. 1 next year. Last year, Backstrom was dominant; at the start of this season, he was the G that everyone wanted; and he is having a very good year statistically and practically (27 wins in 50 hames is pretty hot). As good as Harding may be, why is everyone so sure that Backstrom will fade away next year?

[Gaborlick]

backstrom will start next year.

[VintageVibe]

The duo will split up by the end of next year. Both will be starters for their respective teams.

[notoriousjim]

i agree that we are doom sayers about BAckstrom, but he is more a product of a system than a high end goalie. The reality is that backstrom is really just a 1a type of guy. Harding is not going to be much better than that (as a youngster he uses his offhand to his advanatage, as he gets older more poeple will notice), but being a 1a in minnisota is still good for top 10 goalie status.

Backstrom will either get traded or walk as soon as he can since he will never truely have a #1 slot again, harding may not be a #1 for long, but will be a #1a for a while

[Zorro]

Backstrom and Harding both benefit from the system Minnesota plays but when it comes down to it they both still have to save the puck. I believe they are both great goalies and most teams in the league would love to have them. Depending on next year, if Backstrom has a monster year he will want a big pay increase for the 2009/2010 season.

Personally I believe Backstrom will be on a new team for the 09/10 season and Harding will be the cheaper option and the starter for the Wild.

Expect a big playoff and a big year next year for Backstrom, contract years are very exciting for players.
Z..

[tiantonio]

Ex Minny guys Roloson and Fernandez became VERY RICH men when their contracts ran out with the Wild. Backstrom is Better and younger than both of those guys so let the bidding begin. They should be about 50/50 next year but Harding is definitely the future, so unless Backstrom takes a discount to stick around, expect him to get a #1 job elsewhere for the 09/10 season.

[mapletreemarty]

As much as he is a product of the Minny system, if anyone was watching the game last night you can see how sound Backstrom is positionally in the net. COL had quite a few chances and even though half the time Backstrom couldn\'t see the puck he was there positionally and his reflexes/athleticism helped keep the puck out of the net. Well.. that and the damned post !! I still believe that Backstrom is one of the better goalies in this league.

The only area he still stinks in, is in the shootout (1W 5L this year, 2W 5L last year; given up 23 goals to 46 shooters) and on penalty shots.

[ultrawhiteness]

backstrom is a GREAT goalie, but injuries have screwed him over. too bad.

[Zorro]

I really like Backstrom in net but doesn\'t he seem small?? I went to a game this year in Minnesota and watch as many games as I can that the Wild are playing in. I also watched last night, he just seems small. Joe Sakic\'s wrister seemed too easy, the replay should that he had tons of room to put that shot home.

Does Backstrom seem small in the net to anybody else? Or is it just me??
Z..

[tiantonio]

I think it is because he is NOT real big and he spends a lot of time in the butterfly. He has nice form and his pads lie flat on the ice and the Five Hole is closed up. He has decent hand speed to get to the high stuff too even if his glove is not as fast as Harding\'s. Much like Darth Gerber. when everything is in front of him and he can get squared, he is REAL TOUGH to beat. Of course, Minny\'s system is MUCH more sound defensively than the Sens usually are.

[MJ Flex]

Lemaire loves using the platoon goalie system in Minny. As long as he\'s in charge, Minny\'s starter will get no more than 60 starts per year. It doesn\'t matter if its Backstrom and Harding or Harding and the next young goalie in their system.

[HellasLEAF]

I have been back and forth on this topic for months.

I know Harding is the future, but how can you seriously not keep Backstrom if you have him? I basically have to pick between the two, it\'s real tough based on what you want. I\'ll try to redraft or trade for Harding next season, but I want to win next year and Backstrom can really lay down those nice goalies stats.

[mapletreemarty]

That\'s a good plan of attack, especially if you plan on being in contention next year. Keeping Giguere, Backstrom and Howard should still prove to be a great threesome between the pipes. In a 16 team league if you can hold onto 3 good goalies you\'ll be pickin up some easy points. Good luck with redrafting Harding!