Niklas Backstrom likely will start in net for the Minnesota Wild tonight when the team visits the Blue Jackets in Columbus. Backstrom blocked 32 of 34 shots in a 3-2 victory over the Ducks in Anaheim on Sunday night. He is 5-4-0 on the season.

Niklas Backstrom blocked 32 of 34 shots in a 3-2 win over Anaheim Sunday night. 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 had to play about half of Saturday night's game against the Los Angeles Kings, but he'll get the start as expected versus the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. Backstrom allowed one goal in relief after Josh Harding was pulled against Los Angeles. While his 4-4-2 record is disappointing, his GAA (2.15) and save percentage (.925) show that he's playing like a number one goalie most nights. The Minnesota Wild were hot but need to generate momentum after a couple rough evenings.

Niklas Backstrom faced 36 shots and gave up three goals in Minnesota's 3-1 loss to the Sharks on Thursday night. Even though he permitted three goals, Backstrom can't take all the blame for the loss. Minnesota had trouble generating anything offensively and the Sharks boast a very dangerous attack that's even more dangerous on the man advantage - a situation that resulted in two goals. Back-up Josh Harding figures to get a shot this weekend and if he continues his near-flawless play, it'll be tough to keep him on the bench. This is a situation to keep tabs on.

Niklas Backstrom earned a 41-save shutout in his first game since Oct. 27. The Minnesota Wild's workhorse goalie has been threatened by the outstanding play of Josh Harding as of late, but he won his fifth game in a row against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. If this effort is any indication, the Wild have two hot netminders, which is a good problem to have. On the other hand, it makes things complicated for fantasy owners, who should keep an eye on Rotoworld for the word on who will start each night.

The Minnesota Wild will use Niklas Backstrom tonight in Calgary because the goalie is 4-0-0 in his past four games against the Flames. Josh Harding, the Wild's other goalie, was enjoying a hot streak but Minnesota coach Mike Yeo is playing the odds tonight and going with Backstrom.

Despite a fabulous run by Josh Harding, Minnesota coach Mike Yeo reiterated that Niklas Backstrom would get the start Tuesday against Calgary. Harding, who has won four games in a row with a .075 goals against average, seemed poised to steal the Wild's starting goalie job. However, Yeo still thinks too much of Backstrom to let that happen yet. Look at a job share situation for now.

Nicklas Backstrom is likely to get the start for the Wild in Calgary on Tuesday. Backstrom has been good in Calgary in the past for the Wild feel it is a great time for him to start. Josh Harding will get the nod Saturday against the Blues.

Niklas Backstrom made 16 saves however the Wild fell 3-2 to Anaheim on Thursday. There's no denying that Backstrom has been struggling for the past two seasons but so has the Minnesota Wild. Backstrom has fallen victim to a porous defensive team as well as a lack of offensive support. Backstrom is still very valuable to his team and should not be written off just yet. If the Wild can magically find a scoring touch (Dany Heatley?), he could provide excellent value as a high-end second goalie.

Niklas Backstrom made 29 saves however the Wild fell 3-2 to Vancouver on Saturday. Backstrom held the fort however an overtime penalty doomed the Wild on this afternoon. In the end Backstrom made 29 saves on 32 shots overall. His record fell to 3-2-2.