Game Thirty-Nine: Wild 1, Bruins 0

Apparently, the Minnesota cure for a month-long slump is to take on three of the top teams in the NHL, and call on Niklas Backstrom. After struggling through the month of December, the Wild are now 3-0-1 in their past four games, with all three victories happening with Backstrom in net. Even better for the Wild, Backstrom has shut out his last two opponents, solidifying his selection to the All-Star game.

Backstrom wasn't the only impressive netminder in this game. Former Wild goalie Manny Fernandez took the start for Boston, and, aside from a power play blast from Marek Zidlicky, he was also brilliant. Both goaltenders turned away shots that probably should have gone in, and both goaltenders had plenty of support from their defenses. It's no surprise that, when these two played for Minnesota, they took home the William Jennings trophy for fewest goals allowed.

Game pluses:
- Goaltending. Both teams had great plays made in net. Backstrom just edged Fernandez in an exciting 1-0 game.
- Mikko Koivu. He may not be going to the All-Star game, but he's definitely earned a spot. Another complete game from Koivu last night helped secure the Wild victory.
- Krys Kolanos. Another player who's turned it on recently, Kolanos got an assist on the Zidlicky goal, almost scored on a couple of wrap-around chances, drew penalties, and even blocked a puck destined for the open net behind him, saving Backstrom's shutout.

Game minuses:
- Benoit Pouliot. Pouliot got out of Jacques Lemaire's doghouse thanks to injuries to other forwards, but may end up there again soon. He regularly overskated the puck, and was responsible for a number of the Wild's offsides calls. It's hard to score when you can't keep the puck on your own stick.
- Flying pucks. Zidlicky caught a puck in the face. So did Boston's Shane Hnidy (although Hnidy's was worse). While both players returned, it could have been much worse.
- First period. The Wild started slowly, spending almost all of the first period chasing Boston and the puck. Three consecutive penalties against the Bruins in the second changed the momentum, but Minnesota almost gave it back in the third period.

Next up: The Wild see if they can't continue their success against the Eastern Conference on Thursday when they take on the 21-10-9 Philadelphia Flyers. And yes, the Flyers currently lead their division.