Backstrom, in goal for the first time since Dec. 31, has
21 career NHL shutouts.
Martin Havlat had two goals and an assist, and Mikko
Koivu, John Madden, Cal Clutterbuck and Chuck Kobasew also scored for the Wild,
who have won three straight.
In New York, Marian Gaborik
broke out of an offensive slump in devastating style, having four goals and an
assist in New York rout of Toronto.
Three days after being benched, and just a few hours
after the Rangers said scoring leader Brandon Dubinsky would be out at least
three weeks because of a stress fracture in his left leg, Gaborik picked up the
offensive slack.
He ended an eight-game goal drought with two in the first
period and two more in the second for his third hat trick of the season.
Brian Boyle, Ruslan Fedotenko and Mats Zuccarello also
scored while Henrik Lundqvist made 22 saves for his seventh shutout of the
season and 31st overall.
In Sunrise, Florida, R.J.
Umberger scored on a power play in overtime to give Columbus victory over
Florida.
Columbus' Antoine Vermette tied it with 53 seconds left
in regulation while Blue Jackets goalie was Steve Mason off for an extra
attacker. Fedor Tyutin also scored for the Blue Jackets.
Cory Stillman and David Booth had first-period goals for
Florida.
