Niklas Backstrom stopped all 27 shots sent his way as the Minnesota Wild defeated Colorado 1-0 Thursday. It was Backstrom's 24th career shutout and is 18-4-2 in career against the Avalanche. 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. Despite an exceptional stretch of play from Josh Harding of late, Backstrom's recent performances have solidified his role as Minnesota's clear number one netminder.