Preseason Game Four: Minnesota 3, Chicago 2 (OT)

Well well well. It looks like the Wild decided to avenge their lone preseason loss by taking it to a Chicago team playing their third game in as many nights. Of course, by taking it to Chicago, we mean that they let the 'Hawks build up a 2-1 lead on goals from Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook. The loan Wild tally? Colton Gillies, who's trying to prove that, just one year removed from being the team's first round pick, he's ready to play with the big boys.

Tyler Cuma seems to be trying that gambit as well, with another strong showing. The kid seems to know his defensive role, and blocked a few shots. He'll get another chance to prove himself tonight against the Sabres, but he's still very much on the outside looking in. With the Wild's defensive corps, it'll be hard to crack into that top 8, although a spot might open if Marc-Andre Bergeron doesn't figure out how to keep his gloves from dropping.

Of course, when Marian Gaborik's skating, the Wild seems to find ways to do things that they normally can't do. While Gaby wasn't able to put the puck into the net with any of his shots, he did log over 24 minutes of ice time, and even showcased some of his speed. Now to shake off the rust and get used to playing with Koivu and Brunette (could this be the year that Jacques doesn't shake up the lines?). The player that truly stepped up last night?

Stephane Veilleux. Playing in his first preseason since becoming his own agent, the fiery redhead has notched three goals in his four games, with two of them coming last night. True, once the season starts, everything starts from scratch, but knowing that Veilleux has found something of a scoring touch even during the preseason should help when the puck drops for real. As for scoring in overtime? That doesn't matter if it's preseason or postseason. It's always a big one.

Tonight, the Wild take on the Buffalo Sabres. Last time these two met, the Wild squeaked past with a PPG and a shootout victory. It might be time for the Sabres to get some vengeance. By the same token, this could be the first preseason game for Brent Burns and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and those two will be fired up.