Niklas Backstrom will be in the crease Tuesday against the Blackhawks, Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Backstrom will be in the crease Tuesday against the Blackhawks, Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis:

All indications at morning skate were that Darcy Kuemper was in line to start Tuesday, but the Wild ended up changing direction at the last second. Backstrom will face a tall order in trying to quiet the sizzling Blackhawks, but could be in line for added duty if Kuemper's undisclosed ailment holds him out further. It's worthwhile to track the circumstances surrounding Kuemper when coach Mike Yeo meets with the press after the game, as it could have major implications for Backstrom.