2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Minnesota Wild Recall Darcy Kuemper From Houston Aeros

Apr 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save against the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Wild 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With Minnesota’s goaltending situation questionable for their first round playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Wild have recalled rookie netminder Darcy Kuemper from the Houston Aeros.

Kuemper, the lone remaining goaltender from Minnesota’s 2009 draft class with the departure of Matt Hackett, has been stellar all season long with both Houston and Minnesota. In six games (three as starter) with the Wild, Kuemper posted a 1-2-0 record with a 2.08 goals against average and .916 save percentage. He went 13-8-0 with a 1.88 goals against average, a .934 save percentage and four shutouts in 21 regular season games with Minnesota’s minor league affiliate.

Kuemper leaves the Aeros behind as they continue their series against the Grand Rapids Griffins in a round one matchup of their own. In starting Houston’s two games of the season, Minnesota’s 6’5” 207-pound goaltending behemoth has posted a 1-1 record, 1.51 goals against average, a .957 save percentage and one shutout. If Wild No. 1 netminder Niklas Backstrom isn’t ready to go for Friday night’s Game Two matchup with the Hawks, the rookie should be more than capable of backing up Josh Harding—who has thus far been a very pleasant surprise for Minnesota in the postseason.