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Backstrom solid as Wild best Blue Jackets

Sep 25, 2008 - 3:01 AM By Brian Hall PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (Ticker) -- Defenseman Kim Johnsson and Benoit Pouliot scored goals as the Minnesota Wild posted a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in their preseason opener on Wednesday.

Niklas Backstrom turned aside the first 18 shots he faced before allowing a power-play tally by Jiri Novotny, his second goal of the preseason, midway through the third period. The Finn finished with 22 saves overall.

The contest was a penalty-ridden affair, as the teams combined for 24 penalties equaling 66 minutes but went a combined 1-for-16 on the power play.

With the clubs skating four aside in the first period, Johnsson took a pass from James Sheppard, slipped by the defense and fired a shot between the pads of goaltender Fredrik Norrena at 15:23 for a 1-0 lead.

Pouliot, the fourth overall pick in 2005, made it 2-0 early in the third, when he picked up a loose puck after new teammate Owen Nolan was tripped up and flipped it past Norrena at 2:16. Norrena made 28 saves.

Novotny drew Columbus within one at 10:07 of the third. Jakub Voracek, the seventh overall selection in the 2007 draft, controlled the puck at the point before passing through the slot to Novotny, who was alone to the right of Backstrom for a quick one-timer.

Playing its second game in as many nights, Columbus chose not to dress many of its regulars, including captain Rick Nash and big offseason acquisitions Kristian Huselius and R.J. Umberger.

The Wild played without star Marian Gaborik, who is nursing a hamstring injury.