GAME RECAP
STAR TRIBUNE'S
THREE STARS
1. Niklas Backstrom, Wild: Looking tired lately, the goalie rebounded with a terrific, 35-save performance to improve to 11-3-1 in his past 15 starts.

2. Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Wild: Had two assists for five points in three games since being scratched in three consecutive.

3. Matt Cullen, Wild: Big on the penalty kill, big goal (199th of career), won 11 of 19 faceoffs.

By the numbers
23 Blocked shots by the Wild (5 by the Canucks)
44 of 65 Faceoffs won by the Wild
MICHAEL RUSSO