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.

Niklas Backstrom will start in goal Saturday night against the Blackhawks. It will be his first start since he injured his knee on October 8th. Backstrom did play in relief of Josh Harding, who sustained a lower-body injury, Thursday against the Hurricanes. The Hawks are a tough assignment for any goalie, let alone one who has been substantially sidelined for the last 18 days. We say, don't start Backstrom Saturday night.

Niklas Backstrom stopped all seven of the shots he faced in one period of work Thursday night. Backstrom had to play in the third period of Minnesota's 3-1 win over Carolina because of Josh Harding's lower-body injury. "Sitting for a long time on the bench, it's tough to be comfortable out there, but the guys helped me a lot," said Backstrom, who admitted that he's still not quite 100 percent from his knee injury. If Harding is out for any stretch of time then Backstrom will get a chance to reclaim his number one job, which appeared to be in jeopardy due to Harding's very strong play during his absence.

Niklas Backstrom is not feeling 100 percent from his knee injury yet. He has been healthy enough to back up Josh Harding and he will be on the bench again for Thursday's contest versus Carolina. Harding has been excellent since Backstrom got hurt and Backstrom is happy to see him enjoying success. Backstrom is feeling better and probably isn't far away from getting back into Minnesot'a crease.

Niklas Backstrom said Monday that he expects his strained knee to be good to go within the next couple of days. He has served as the team's backup keeper for the last two contests. It isn't clear who the Wild will start Tuesday night versus Nashville. Depending on how he feels he could start against the Predators.

Niklas Backstrom (knee) will return to the Minnesota Wild's lineup on Thursday. That being said, the Wild have opted to ease Backstrom in by having him serve as the team's backup goaltender. He was off to a rough start with a 3.40 GAA and .849 save percentage in three games before sustaining the injury.

Niklas Backstrom (knee) practiced again Wednesday. There's a chance that he could be available to back up Josh Harding on Thursday night. Backstrom looks like he'll be back in the lineup soon and he might be on track to play Saturday.

Niklas Backstrom (knee) participated in a full skate Monday. He looks like he's getting closer to being able to return, but he won't dress in Monday night's game versus the Buffalo Sabres. Josh Harding will start in Buffalo but it's unclear who will play at Toronto on Tuesday. If Backstrom isn't ready to suit up then Darcy Kuemper could get the nod.

Niklas Backstrom tested his injured knee on Friday. Backstrom, who sustained a knee strain during Tuesday's game, reported that "it's not normal yet" after participating in an optional skate. The Minnesota goaltender is hoping to be able to suit up for at least one game in the Wild's four-game road trip that starts Monday.

Niklas Backstrom sustained a knee strain during Tuesday's contest. Backstrom left the game after being crashed into by Nashville's Eric Nystrom. He's regarded as day-to-day for now.