GAME RECAP

Star Tribune's three stars

1. Niklas Backstrom, Wild: Goalie made 37 saves in unexpected start after returning from concussion.

2. Zach Parise, Wild: Scored team's first shorthanded goal this season to tie the score and assisted on Wild's first goal.

3. Mikko Koivu, Wild: Assisted on Parise's goal, giving him nine points in his past six games, and scored one of the team's two shootout goals.

NUMBERS

1 Practice in the past 10 days for Backstrom, who had played 11 minutes this month before Saturday's start.

9 Victories for the Wild in November as it continues the best start in franchise history.

RACHEL BLOUNT