According to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune, the Minnesota Wild have recalled goaltender Matt Hackett from the Houston Aeros. Hackett will serve as the backup to Niklas Backstrom when the Wild head to Nashville to take on the Predators this Saturday.
Darcy Keumper, who was serving as the backup and starred in a relief role this week, is battling a groin injury that landed him on the injured reserve. Josh Harding, who is typically the second netminder to Backstrom, continues to be out of action due to doctors recommendations surrounding his multiple sclerosis treatment.
During his stint in the AHL with the Aeros this season, Hackett has appeared in 42 games, going 19-19-3 with a 2.56 GAA and a .910 save percentage.
Wild fans best remember Hackett for his debut in the NHL last season when he set a record for the longest shutout streak to start a career at 102:48, courtesy of Russo.
In other Wild news, forward Cal Clutterback has been activated from the IR and is set to return to the lineup tomorrow night in Nashville.
Clutterbuck was the victim of a careless hit by the Oilers’ Taylor Hall, who received a two-game suspension for the play. The 25-year old Clutterbuck has 2 goals and 2 assists in 16 games for the Wild this season but he is best known for his physical style of play. It’s not uncommon to see Clutterbuck’s name at the top of the hits category in any given year.