Wild Goaltender Niklas Backstrom Hurt When Pushed Back Into Post

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom has hurt his right leg in the first period against the Nashville Predators, knocking him out of the game.

The Wild said after the first period Tuesday night that Backstrom will be evaluated Wednesday for a lower body injury.

Backstrom was pushed back into the post at 11:14 of the first when Wild defenseman Keith Ballard tripped Predators forward Eric Nystrom on a breakaway. Nystrom crashed into Backstrom, knocking him backward with his right leg hitting the post.

The goalie slowly skated off the ice and went to the locker room.

Josh Harding gave up a goal on Nystrom's first career penalty shot.

Backstrom is 0-0-2 this season. He tied for the NHL lead with 24 wins last season.