Niklas Backstrom made 33 saves in Minnesota's 5-3 win over the Blackhawks on Saturday night. This was his first start since injuring his knee on Oct. 8. If Backstrom can find his form this season, there is considerable upside because the Wild have the makings for a very solid squad. The win was his first in five games. He also has just a 2.99 goals-against average and .885 save percentage.