Niklas Backstrom made 29 saves on 33 shots in a 4-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night. Niklas Backstrom played admirably on Monday night despite coming away with the loss. The Wild offense was shutout despite managing over 30 shots on net. Fortunately offensive production has not been a major problem for the Wild this season.

Niklas Backstrom lost for the third time in a row for the first time this season, 2-1 to the New York Islanders in a shootout on Saturday night. Granted, the past two losses are of the overtime-loss variety, but it really doesn't matter in fantasy leagues. Backstrom was blitzed for 37 shots on goal and very easily could have come away with the win if his team had won the 'skills competition.' Despite the loss, Backstrom remains a stellar option between the pipes as his 2.06 goals-against average, .933 save percentage and 11-6-4 record suggest. Keeping rolling him out there with the utmost confidence -- no matter the opponent.

Niklas Backstrom will start in Saturday's game against the New York Islanders. Backstrom has not lost three games in a row this season, but he's in danger of doing just that Saturday. Backstrom has stopped 53 of 58 shots in his last two contests, but the Wild narrowly lost both contests.

Nicklas Backstrom gave up two goals in two shootout shots as he and the Wild dropped a 4-3 decision to the visiting Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday night. Backstrom was playing in his second game in two nights. On Tuesday, he was on the losing end of a 2-1 score in Winnipeg. Don't blame Backstrom for Wednesday's loss, though. He played relatively well, steering away 28 of the 31 shots he faced in regulation time.

Niklas Backstrom is slated to get the nod for Minnesota on Wednesday against Chicago. He played the night before in a 2-1 loss to Winnipeg and could be granted time off if he says he isn't up to playing. Backstrom did not report to the rink on Wednesday morning, but we're going to assume he starts. If he does end up ruling himself out then Matthew Hackett will play instead.

The Minnesota Wild's seven-game winning streak came to an end as Niklas Backstrom took the loss. Backstrom allowed two goals on 27 shots, but most of his fantasy owners are likely just relieved that he's back in action again. He was better in his return on Saturday, but should remain a great rotisserie netminder unless Minnesota finally hits the wall like some expect them to.

Nicklas Backstrom, who returned from a groin injury and made 35 saves in his first game since Dec. 2 for a 4-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday night, will return to the net for the league-leading Minnesota Wild for a game against the Jets in Winnipeg. Backstrom was less than four minutes away from a shutout on Saturday and was stellar, just as he was before his injury.

Making his 300th career start, Niklas Backstrom (groin) made 35 saves Saturday night in his first game since Dec. 2 as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Phoenix Coyotes, 4-1. Backstrom was less than four minutes from a shutout. Minnesota was actually outshot 36-20, so this start is all the more encouraging as it really had to rely on the netminder, who had missed three straight games, to get the job done. Backstrom's record improved to 11-5-2 and he now has a 2.08 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. The Wild have won seven straight.

Niklas Backstrom will play between the pipes Saturday. Matt Hackett turned aside 42 of 44 shots in his first NHL start on Thursday, but the Wild are going back to their starting goaltender. Backstrom has a 2.15 GAA and .930 save percentage in 18 games this season.

Niklas Backstrom (groin) was able to participate in Wednesday's practice. If Backstrom feels healthy enough to start on Thursday, he almost certainly will. If not, Matthew Hackett will make his first career start. We'll keep you posted.