Niklas Backstrom will play between the pipes on Monday against Tampa Bay. Backstrom has a 2.17 GAA and .929 save percentage in 15 games this season. He will try to bounce back after allowing three goals on eight shots Sunday.

Niklas Backstrom was beaten for three goals on eight shots and was replaced by Josh Harding in a 5-2 loss to Calgary Sunday. Backstrom has posted strong numbers this season, so we can likely chalk up today's performance to rust after he missed a week of games due to the birth of his child. Josh Harding blocked 25 of the 27 shots he faced in relief of Backstrom.

Look for Niklas Backstrom to start against Calgary Sunday. He has not played in over a week due to the birth of his child. Backstrom is coming off a 1-0 shutout win against Colorado last Thursday so he could be a good bet Sunday against the Flames.

Niklas Backstrom left the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday as his wife went into labor. Well at least that makes sense. Backstrom's quick exit forced the Wild to recall Matthew Hackett from the minors but they were uncertain if he would arrive on time so they were forced to sign 51-year-old Paul Deutsch to an amateur tryout. Deutsch took part in the warmup but Hackett arrived moments before the start of the game.

Niklas Backstrom took part in Thursday's practice after missing Wednesday's contest because of a personal matter. He is expected to be available to start Friday against Edmonton, which would be bad news for them. Backstrom has dominated the Oilers during his career with a 20-2-1 record, a 1.66 GAA, a .938 save percentage and four shutouts. We'll let you know if he gets the nod.

Niklas Backstrom, who missed Wednesday's game for personal reasons, should rejoin the Wild in a few days. Josh Harding started on Wednesday in Backstrom's absence. It's still not clear if Backstrom will be available for Friday's contest. We'll keep you posted.

Niklas Backstrom, who was expected to start Wednesday, is unavailable for a personal reason. The Wild haven't provided any details beyond that, but for the moment we will assume he's still healthy. Backup goaltender Josh Harding will start instead while 51-year-old (no that's not a typo) Paul Deutsch has been signed to serve as the backup goaltender.

Niklas Backstrom is likely to get the start in goal for Minnesota Saturday. Backstrom had a 27 save shutout on Thursday and is now 7-4-2 with a scintillating 1.97 GAA and a .935 save percentage. He is a number one fantasy goalie thus far this season and should definitely be in your lineup.

Niklas Backstrom stopped all 27 shots sent his way as the Minnesota Wild defeated Colorado 1-0 Thursday. It was Backstrom's 24th career shutout and is 18-4-2 in career against the Avalanche. 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. The Finnish netminder is not a very athletic/reflex goaltender but there is no question his preparation, angles and rebound control are first-rate. Despite an exceptional stretch of play from Josh Harding of late, Backstrom's recent performances have solidified his role as Minnesota's clear number one netminder.

Niklas Backstrom allowed two goals on 45 shots in Minnesota's 4-2 win over the Blue Jackets Tuesday night. Backstrom has been phenomenal this season and has played like a number one fantasy goaltender though he's likely to produce more like a number two going forward.