Niklas Backstrom's First Ever NHL All-Star Game

I am a huge fan of the Minnesota Wild.

Niklas Backstrom has been a goaltender for the Minnesota Wild since 2006 when he was drafted as a free agent. He replaced Manny Fernandez, who is now with the Boston Bruins. He has been so solid this year, and that is why he is making his first appearance in the NHL All-Star game. If you don't believe me, just look at these stats from the 2008-09 season:

2008-09 GAME HIGHS
Saves—46 (11/4 at SJ)
Shots Faced—49 (11/4 at SJ)
Win Streak—4 (10/11-10/18)

2008-09
* Named to Western Conference All-Star Team
* Made 28 saves at BOS (1/6) to record back-to-back shutouts for second time in career. Franchise record shutout streak stopped at 149:19 at PHI (1/8).
* Stopped all 33 shots in 2-0 win at COL (1/4)—first shutout in franchise history against Colorado.
* Made 22 saves in third shutout of season vs. STL (12/3)
* Stopped 24 shots and improved to 3-0 in shootouts in 2-1 win at PIT (11/18)
* Made 24 saves vs. PHX (11/13) for 2nd shutout of season
* Had 18-decision unbeaten streak (13-0-5) snapped in 4-2 loss at DAL (10/29)
* Recorded 10th career shutout at TB (10/18)
* Appeared in 100th career NHL game vs. BOS (10/11)

This kind of solidity is how Niklas Backstrom earned his first ever appearance in the NHL All-Star Game. GO WILD!!!

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