Backstrom returns, as Wild blank Flames

Calgary, AB – 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.

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.