Backstrom, Backstrom, Backstrom

That about sums it up for how the Wild won last night's game against the offensive-laden San Jose Sharks.  Backstrom was a monster in net last night and was the difference maker in the game to even allow the Wild to have a chance for the 1-0 win over the Sharks.

The Wild seemed to have spent the entire night in its defensive end, playing prevent defense for the most part, sans the 9 powerplay opportunities that the Sharks gave them.  But apart from the lone tally of the night from Andrew Brunette on a 5-on-3 powerplay, the Wild weren't able to generate any prime scoring opportunities  on the powerplay.

The defensive play last night was huge against the Sharks. Mikko Koivu, Eric Nystrom, and John Madden were great in their own end, as well as many of the other forwards.  And the defensive pairing of Burns-Schultz was just awesome against the Sharks top line.

Notes:

• First shutout for Backstrom since April 3, 2009, a 4-0 win against the Calgary Flames.
• The Wild defeated the Sharks in regulation for the first time in 16 meetings.
• Koivu's assist on Brunette's powerplay goal gives in a 7-game point streak.
• I've honestly soured on my opinion of Marty Havlat since that article about his "misuse" came out :[ ...who knows, maybe if he starts scoring in droves my opinion on him will change.

UP NEXT: Friday vs. Calgary Flames, 7:00pm CT