Backstrom Our All-Star

Looks like goaltender Niklas Backstrom will be the sole Wild representative when the NHL All-Stars get together in Montreal on Sunday January 25. A big congratulations goes to the first time All-Star Backstrom, as he is well deserving of being selected. So far this season he has been nothing but spectacular, posting a 19-12 record, a 2.14 GAA, and a .929 SV%. And his recent stretch of games has been superb, posting back-to-back shutouts. The big stat that you will not find is the 'NGSW', which is the number of games single-handedly won.

Moving and thinking ahead, how long can and will the Wild wait before they decide to sign him, as he is set to become an unrestricted free-agent at seasons end? Some may say that the Wild has waited too long already, and they may be right. You can debate on whether waiting with Gaborik was the right decision, but as we can all see now, the point is mute since he is likely lost for the season. Let's hope that Risebrough and staff have the Backstrom situation under control, as this decision could very well make or break the current Wild management tenure here in Minnesota.