Backstrom is one 'W' from 100

Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

Niklas Backstrom

The Wild goalie needs just one victory to earn his 100th career victory.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 1:47 PM

Niklas Backstrom's not about milestones, so he had no clue his 100th NHL win was a "W" away. Still, even the Wild's all-business netminder got a little twinkle in his eye when told how close he was Sunday.

"Back four, five years ago, I was dreaming about my first win or even my first game in the NHL, so it'll be something to remember," Backstrom said. "I hope it comes quick."

Over the span since Backstrom, 31, broke into the NHL in 2006-07, he ranks 10^th with 99 victories, is tied for second with a 2.27 goals-against average, is second with a .922 save percentage and is tied for fifth with 17 shutouts.

"I don't look at my stats so much, but for sure, it tells a lot about the team," he said. "Over the past four years, we've been a pretty solid team every night. ... I take pride in what I'm doing, but it's a team thing. We compete every night because of the players in front of me."

Playing with power play

So far this season, coach Todd Richards has resisted using forwards such as Petr Sykora, Eric Belanger or Cal Clutterbuck at the power-play point. But in need of a right shot from the point Saturday and with defenseman Brent Burns in the penalty box, Richards used Clutterbuck to open the third period on a 4-on-3.

"I was just told to stand there and take one-timers," said Clutterbuck, who looked comfortable and hit the post on one chance. "We were in the dressing room before the period and he told me I was going out there, and I was like legitimately shaking. I was so nervous.

"But once I got out there, I was fine. I was just scared I'd get one blocked and have to chase someone down."

Sometimes coaches are hesitant to use forwards at the power-play point because they're a shorthanded risk defending while skating backward.

"I don't want to have to chase guys down the ice, but I'm comfortable I'm able to keep up with most guys," Clutterbuck said, before grinning. "Maybe not [Marian Gaborik], but most guys."

Leddy could take a lesson

Richards hopes Gophers defenseman Nick Leddy, the Wild's first-round pick last June and the 2009 Minnesota Mr. Hockey from Eden Prairie, learns a valuable lesson from breaking his jaw last month on a hit from Alaska Anchorage's Jade Portwood.

"Believe me, I got popped a few times in my career before you learn, 'Whoa, I better do this a little bit differently, otherwise I'm going to have the same result,'" Richards said. "There's certain things as a high schooler you can get away with because you're faster, you're stronger, but as you move up in levels, now you're dealing with ... guys that are the same skill level and can skate the same. You need those failures or tough lessons to teach you."

• Sykora did not practice Sunday because of a headache stemming from being hit in the head by Dallas' Steve Ott Saturday. Richards said he will have an update today on Sykora's status for the road trip. Owen Nolan did not practice Sunday because he's sore.

Attending inductions

The Wild's charter to Toronto was moved up an hour today because GM Chuck Fletcher arranged for the coaches and staff to attend the Hall of Fame inductions.

Richards' eighth and final NHL game in 1991-92 came against Hall of Fame inductee Steve Yzerman.

"He lit me up in Detroit," Richards said. "I think I was minus-3 or minus-4 in the first period. I got a scolding between periods from [Hartford coach] Jimmy Roberts."

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