Backstrom, Wild host reeling Canucks

Vancouver (14-10-2) at Minnesota (15-8-1), 8:00 pm EST

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (Ticker) -- Niklas Backstrom will try to
build off his third shutout when the Minnesota Wild host the
slumping Vancouver Canucks on Friday.

After being pulled during Monday's 6-5 loss to the Colorado
Avalanche, Backstrom bounced back to make 22 saves and lead the
Wild to their third win in four contests, a 4-0 triumph over the
St. Louis Blues on Wednesday.

Backstrom is 14-7-1 with a 2.27 goals-against average and .924
save percentage, helping Minnesota climb to the top of the
Northwest Division.

While rarely being mentioned in Vezina Trophy discussions, the
30-year-old Backstrom is quietly having an impressive career.
The Finn is 70-28-15 with a 2.19 GAA and 12 shutouts over his
three-year career.

Henrik Sedin scored a goal and set up another and his brother
Daniel had a pair of assists Thursday, but the Canucks still
suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, a 6-5 setback to the
Detroit Red Wings.

Despite its recent struggles, Vancouver can still take over
first place in division with a win at Minnesota. The Canucks
trail the Wild by one point in the standings.