Niklas Backstrom's ankle is better. Backstrom underwent ankle surgery in the off-season. He had been battling through the injury since mid-December. He had a 2.43 and .919 save percentage in 46 games in 2011-12.

As expected, Niklas Backstrom has undergone ankle surgery. Backstrom has been battling through the injury since mid-December. He had a 19-18-7 record, 2.43 GAA, and .919 save percentage in 46 games this season.

Niklas Backstrom will undergo ankle surgery next week. He's been in pain since mid-December which could explain why he did not play as well as he had in the past. Backstrom should be just fine for the start of next season and is a prime rebound candidate.

Niklas Backstrom was far from stellar in Minnesota's 4-1 loss to the Coyotes Saturday night. He stopped only 24 of 28 Phoenix shots to bring the 2011-12 season mercifully to an end. With the loss, Backstrom saw his record fall to 19-18-7 for the campaign. With health, look for Backstrom to rebound from a rather forgettable year.

Niklas Backstrom turned away 23 of 24 shots in a 2-1 loss to Nashville Tuesday night. With difficulties the Wild have experienced scoring goals, Backstrom's 19-18-6 record is actually quite impressive. He's one of the league's most underrated backstops.

Niklas Backstrom set aside 26 shots Saturday night in the Minnesota Wild's 4-3 shootout win against the Los Angeles Kings. Backstrom has now won two straight since returning from a groin injury. In 44 games, the netminder has a 19-17-6 record) with a 2.43 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. He would've been a much better bet in fantasy leagues this season if Minnesota could provide him with any sliver off support.

Niklas Backstrom stopped 25 shots for the Wild in his first game since sustaining a groin injury March 1 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Backstrom was between the pipes for the first time in nearly a month tonight. The Finnish netminder has dealt with a groin injury but looked good against the Panthers. Despite the free fall the Wild have taken since being the top team in the league early in the year, Backstrom has been their anchor.

Niklas Backstrom will be in Minnesota's crease on Thursday night when the Wild entertain the Florida Panthers. It will mark Backstrom's first contest since he suffered a groin injury back on Mar. 1 versus Montreal. Adjust your goaltending accordingly.

Niklas Backstrom (groin) served as the Wild's backup goaltender on Tuesday. Minnesota demoted third-string netminder Matthew Hackett. Backstrom has a 2.44 GAA and .920 save percentage in 42 games this season.

Niklas Backstrom is dealing with a lower body injury. Backstrom will not participate in Saturday's game as a result. Although the nature of his injury hasn't been specified, it's worth noting that he only recently returned from a groin strain.