Niklas Backstrom

About

NHL goaltender who joined the Minnesota Wild in 2006 and became the franchise's career leader in a number of stats, including wins and games started in net. His rookie year he went 23-8 with a remarkable 1.97 goals against average.

Before Fame

He played for HIFK in the top Finnish league from 1996 to 2000.

Trivia

He is often confused with Swedish center Nicklas Backstrom, whose name is spelled the same in English characters apart from a "C" before the "K" in "Nicklas."

Family Life

He was born in Helsinki, Finland.

Associated With

He was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the league's top goaltender, in 2009, but the legendary New Jersey Devils keeper Martin Brodeur edged him out.