Niklas Backstrom allowed four goals on 33 shots in Minnesota's 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday night. Backstrom is having a good season, but he's been shaky lately and his record has slipped to 12-12-4. However, his peripherals are still solid. Backstrom is a very structured, calm and mentally tough goaltender that needs consistency from the players in front of him to be an elite goaltender in the NHL. The Finnish netminder is not a very athletic/reflex goaltender but there is no question his preparation, angles and rebound control are first-rate. He should still be viewed as a very good second goalie in 12-team leagues.