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Backstrom returns, as Wild blank Flames

Nov 9, 2011 - 6:18 AM Calgary, AB (Sports Network) - Rust was not a problem for No. 1 goalie Niklas Backstrom.

Making his first start between the pipes since October 27, the Finn turned away all 41 shots he faced in Minnesota's 3-0 win over the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Backup Josh Harding had anchored the Wild's four-game winning streak.

"I don't know that we can make a bad decision as a coaching staff now as far as who we're going to put in net, both guys are doing a fantastic job," said Minnesota head coach Mike Yeo.

Dany Heatley, Guillaume Latendresse and Darroll Powe found the back of the net for Minnesota, which has won five in a row for the first time since November 27-December 5, 2009.

Miikka Kiprusoff made 23 saves for the Flames, who have dropped three of five.

Calgary finished 0-for-7 on the power play, including a five-minute major.

"We have to do a better job at it. Bottom line. I'm embarrassed to talk about our power play tonight," said Flames head coach Brent Sutter.

The Wild produced a goal in each period, with Powe opening the scoring a little over five minutes into the contest. Nick Johnson carried the puck up the left boards and into the Calgary zone. He then fired a puck that deflected off the skate of Powe, who was going hard to the crease. It was Powe's first goal -- and point -- in a Wild uniform.

On a power play, Minnesota passed the puck around the zone and Heatley wound up converting a feed from Mikko Koivu at the 12:47 mark of the second.

Less than a minute later, Johnson squared off with Calgary captain Jarome Iginla. During the scrap, Johnson caught Iginla with a head butt and the former was assessed a match penalty.

Latendresse finished things off with an empty-netter inside the final minute of the third.

Game Notes

The Wild improved to 11-2-1 in their last 14 games against Calgary...Minnesota's penalty kill has gone a perfect 21-for-21 in the last five games...The Wild were 1-for-2 on the man advantage...Backstrom recorded his first shutout of the season and 23rd of his career...Heatley added an assist, giving him 699 career points...Minnesota began a five-game road trip.