Niklas Backstrom's stock continues to rise as he and the Minnesota Wild have now won seven games in a row. The Finnish netminder is now 18-7-1 on the season. The pending free agent's value keeps rising, and with Josh Harding's health problems in mind, the Wild might have to pony up for him.

Niklas Backstrom blocked 22 of the 26 shots hurled his way to post a 7-4 win over the Stars on Monday. 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. He has fallen victim to a porous defensive team as well as a lack of offensive support in the past, but not this year. In fact, he has been very good this year, compiling a 17-7-2 record on the season.

Niklas Backstrom has received the second star of the week distinction for the period ending March 24. In three starts last week, the Minnsetoa goalie posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.00 goals-against average, a .972 save percentage and one shutout. The Wild have won five straight games and Backstrom's play has been a big part of their surge. He has very good this year, while compiling a 16-7-2 record to go with a .921 save percentage and a 2.23 GAA.

Niklas Backstrom saved all 33 Sharks shots in Minnesota's 2-0 victory over San Jose. Backstrom has now earned five straight starts and has only allowed three goals over his last three games. This is his first shutout of the season and the 27th of his career. Look for Backstrom to stay strong down the stretch as Minnesota fights for the Northwest Division title.

Niklas Backstrom sticked aside 36 shots in the Wild's 4-2 win over the Red Wings on Wednesday night. Backstrom was a busy man, but he was more than up for the test. The netminder has wins in four straight games, allowing just three goals over his last two. Altogether, Backstrom has the second-most wins in the league, 15-7-2 record, a 2.32 goals-against average and .917 save percentage this season.

In case you thought otherwise, Niklas Backstrom isn't likely to be traded. "Oh God, no," said Wild GM Chuck Fletcher when asked. "Backy's been outstanding. He's our No. 1 goalie." No surprise there. Sure, Backstrom is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but when is the last time you saw a team fighting for a playoff spot trade their undisputed number one goaltender?

Niklas Backstrom was outstanding, stopping 35 of 36 shots in the Wild's 3-1 win in Vancouver Monday. Backstrom is now 14-7-2 with a 2.34 GAA and a .915 save percentage as his play of late has carried the Wild to the top of the divisional standings. He is becoming a must start this season in all pools that use goaltending stats.

Niklas Backstrom will get the start on Monday when the Wild face Vancouver. Backstrom has been great of late, compiling a 10-3-1 mark in his last ten games. He has a 13-7-2 record with a 2.40 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Adjust your lineup accordingly.

Niklas Backstrom turned aside 29 of 32 shots Thursday on his way to a 5-3 win over Colorado. Backstrom has been on his game of late as a 2-1 loss to the Ducks is the only blemish on his record over his past four starts. With a 12-7-4 record and impressive peripherals, the veteran has been a safe yet productive option in goal for many fantasy squads.

Niklas Backstrom yielded two goals on 21 shots in a 2-1 loss to Anaheim on Tuesday. The defeat snapped his two-game winning streak. Backstrom has supplied fantasy owners with some solid goaltending this season with an 11-7-2 record, a .914 save percentage and a 2.29 goals-against average.