Niklas Backstrom (groin) is healthy enough to serve as the backup goaltender on Monday. Backstrom hasn't played between the pipes since March 1. He has a 2.44 GAA and .920 save percentage in 42 games this season.

Goaltender Nicklas Backstrom (groin strain) had another good practice on Sunday and is close to returning to action. The Wild will send Matthew Hackett back to the minors once Backstrom is considered healthy enough to return. It could be as early as today. Stay tuned.

Niklas Backstrom (groin strain) participated in a full practice on Thursday. Backstrom suffered the injury a couple of weeks ago and it was thought at the time that he would be out two-four weeks so he appears to be right on schedule. "He looked really good," coach Mike Yeo said. "If he got sore or tired, he was told to back off and to give it a rest. But he didn't do that, which is obviously a good sign." Look for Backstrom to return shortly, perhaps as early as Saturday or next week.

Niklas Backstrom will be sidelined for two-to-four weeks because of a groin strain. Although Backstrom should return before the end of the season, the Wild will have to find a way to win without him if they want to have any chance of making the playoffs. He has a 17-17-6 record, 2.44 GAA, and .920 save percentage in 42 games this season. With Backstrom sidelined, Josh Harding should get the bulk of the Wild's starts.

Niklas Backstrom's leg injury could keep him out for a lengthy period of time. Backstrom was hurt 2:52 into Thursday's game against Montreal. He could not put any weight on his leg after making a save on Erik Cole. GM Chuck Fletcher said to the CBC that the injury is not short-term. Stay tuned and grab Josh Harding in fantasy pools if you have Backstrom.

Niklas Backstrom suffered a leg injury 2:52 minutes into the first period and was forced to leave the game. Backstrom made five saves while giving up one goal before stopping an Erik Cole shot. After making the save, Backstrom could not get back up and Josh Harding took over. Consider Backstrom day-to-day for now.

Niklas Backstrom allowed four goals on 15 shots in a 4-0 loss to Los Angeles Tuesday. Backstrom has been the victim of poor offensive support many times this season, but he didn;t do a whole lot to help himself in this loss. Given the state of the Wild right now, he's a difficult player to trust going forward.

Niklas Backstrom allowed three goals on 28 shots as Minnesota outlasted San Jose 4-3 Sunday. Backstrom wasn't spectacular in this game, but he played well enough to keep the score close before his teammates snatched a win for him. He has enjoyed a solid season despite a mediocre win-loss record.

Niklas Backstrom will start in goal for Minnesota against San Jose Sunday. Josh Harding will back Backstrom up as Matthew Hackett has been returned to the AHL.

Niklas Backstrom allowed three goals on only 14 shots and was pulled in the Wild's 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. 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. Tonight however, was a rare off night, so take it with a grain of salt. He is one of the most talented goalies out there, he just needs his team to give him consistent offensive support, which has been an issue during his entire tenure with Minnesota.