Coming off a career-worst performance in his
last outing, Niklas Backstrom turned aside all 22 shots he faced to record his
third shutout of the season, as the Minnesota Wild blanked the St. Louis
Blues, 4-0, at the Xcel Energy Center.
Joe Thornton's third-period goal was the
difference, and the San Jose Sharks secured the best record in NHL history
after 26 games with a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.