Wild To Start Bryzgalov In Goal Against Blackhawks

CHICAGO (AP) — Ilya Bryzgalov will start in goal for the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Bryzgalov replaced Darcy Kuemper in the third period of Minnesota's 5-4 overtime win in Game 7 of its first-round series against Colorado. Bryzgalov started the first two playoff games against the Avalanche but was pulled after allowing eight goals.

Wild coach Mike Yeo says Kuemper is day to day with an upper-body injury. Yeo also says after Friday's morning skate that Kuemper is not in Chicago.

John Curry will back up Bryzgalov in Game 1. Josh Harding, who has been out since Dec. 31 due to an adjustment in his multiple sclerosis treatment, skated Friday and Yeo says he's an "extreme long shot" to be available for the series.