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Niklas Backstrom News
Backstrom is the Wild's likely starter.

Backstrom allowed four goals on 36 shots in a 4-1 loss to the Rangers last night. He has allowed nine goals in two starts since taking over the Wild's starting gig. He has an OK matchup vs. the Flyers tonight.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom will start for the Wild.

Backstrom had a somewhat suspect start against the Eastern's best Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens buried five on thirty-one shots on the Wild's now undisputed number one goalie with Josh Harding's recent trip to the injured reserve. Backstrom should make for a good Sunday start against a Rangers team who have lost six of their last seven.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom starts for the Wild.

Backstrom will re-gain his former role as the Wild's starter with Josh Harding on IR. In his last start he allowed three goals on 39 shots in a 3-1 loss to the Sharks. He will take on a depleted Penguins lineup that is still playing really good hockey despite all the injuries.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom starts for the Wild tonight.

Backstrom stopped 37 of 41 shots in a loss to the Blue Jackets last Saturday. He draws a tough matchup on the road against the Sharks. He has not faced San Jose this season, but was 1-2-0 with a 3.32 GAA and .903 SV% against them last year.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom starts for the Wild.

Backstrom allowed two goals on 25 shots in a loss to the Coyotes last Wednesday. Whether it is the lack of starts or something else, Backstrom has not been himself this season. A career 2.44 GAA and .916 SV% - he sits at 2-3-2 with a 2.78 GAA and .896 as the Wild's number-2 this season.

Niklas Backstrom
With Josh Harding starting on Thursday, Backstrom is likely to get the nod on Friday vs. Columbus.

Backstrom allowed two goals on 25 shots in a loss to the Coyotes last Wednesday. Whether it is the lack of starts or something else, Backstrom just has not been himself this season. A career 2.44 GAA and .916 SV% - he sits at 2-3-2 with a 2.78 GAA and .896 as the Wild's number-2 this season.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom gets his third straight start for the Wild.

Backstrom surrendered two goals on 20 shots in a 3-0 loss to the Blues on Monday. The Wild will be without their leading scorer Zach Parise for the next few weeks, so a lot of focus will be on the goaltending. Tonight he faces the Coyotes fourth ranked offence (3.17 G/PG).

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom starts for the Wild.

Despite being thrust into action after just one full practice since suffering a concussion, Backstrom played very well on Saturday afternoon. He stopped 37 of 39 shots in a shootout win over the Jets. Backstrom gets the nod tonight against a tough Blues squad.

Niklas Backstrom
Harding could back-up on Monday, which means Backstrom will likely get the nod vs. St. Louis.

Despite being thrust into action after just one full practice since suffering a concussion, Backstrom played very well on Saturday afternoon. He stopped 37 of 39 shots in a shootout win over the Jets. Should he get the nod on Monday, he would have a very difficult matchup vs. the Blues.

Niklas Backstrom
The Wild have activated Backstrom (concussion) from injured reserve.

Backstrom who resumed practicing with the team on Friday has already been cleared to return to a back-up role today vs. the Jets. He was concussed on a Nazem Kadri hit 10 days ago. Backstrom has a 3.29 GAA and .874 SV% which fails in comparison to Josh Harding's 1.48 and .939. Barring any injury or until Harding stumbles, Backstrom has clearly taken a back seat to Harding.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom (concussion) skated on Friday for the first time since suffering the injury on November 13.

Backstrom suffered the concussion when he was run over by Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri, the hit resulted in Kadri being suspended for three games. Backstrom has fallen behind Harding as the WIld's starter and will remain the back-up upon his return. No timetable has been established for Backstrom's return.

Niklas Backstrom
The Wild have placed Niklas Backstrom (concussion) on injured reserve retroactive to last Wednesday.

Backstrom would be eligible to return whenever he is healthy. There has been no word on how Backstrom is feeling or how serious his concussion is. Consider him out indefinitely as the Wild will continue to roll with Josh Harding as their starter and Darcy Kuemper as his backup.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom (concussion) could be out long-term, which may force the Wild to make a move for a netminder.

Backstrom was injured in a collision with Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri on Wednesday. Kadri was suspended for three games because of the hit. “I wouldn’t say Backy’s day-to-day because you never know with concussions, so we’ll have to evaluate how Nik’s doing,” GM Chuck Fletcher said Friday morning. “If it’s going to be longer-term, we’ll have to look at doing something. If it’s shorter-term, we’re confident with the guys we have. But ultimately we need Darcy Kuemper and Johan Gustafsson developing in Iowa and not spending the whole year up here.”

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom (upper-body) left Wednesday's game after being run over by Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri.

Backstrom tried to play after the hit, but then pulled himself from the game during a TV timeout. Josh Harding replaced him, who didn't start because he was under the weather. An update on Backstrom's status should be released today.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom starts in goal for the Wild, Josh Harding is sick.

Backstrom allowed five goals on 28 shots in his last start on October 28. He has clearly lost the starting gig to Harding, but will get the nod tonight vs. an injury depleted Maple Leafs squad.

Niklas Backstrom
Niklas Backstrom will start tomorrow vs. Chicago.

Backstrom allowed three goals on 36 shots in a 5-3 win over the Blackhawks on Saturday. Minnesota only scored six goals in their previous five games in front of Josh Harding, but were able to put five on the board in Backstrom's first start since October 8th. He will get another crack at the Blackhawks tomorrow.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom starts tomorrow vs. Chicago.

Backstrom isn't 100 percent yet, but he says he has to "find a way" Saturday night. He stopped all seven shots he faced after relieving Josh Harding on Thursday. In four appearances this season, he has no wins with a 2.98 GAA and .867 SV%. It is hard to start a goalie who is healthy against the Blackhawks, so it might be wise to stay away from this matchup for Backstrom owners.

Niklas Backstrom
Backstrom (knee) participated fully in practice on Wednesday and will return to the bench tonight in a backup role.

It is a good sign that Backstrom will be back in the Wild crease soon. Minnesota takes on Florida on Saturday, he should be ready to start then.

Niklas Backstrom