Game Eighteen: Wild 1, Blues 2

Fans in downtown St. Paul Saturday night were able to take in an intense game, filled with tough defense, scoring bursts, and a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

At least, fans who were at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium watching the Minnesota Rollergirls. For fans next door in the Xcel Energy Center, it was more of the same, as the Minnesota Wild fell to the St. Louis Blues, 2-1, thanks largely to another lackluster performance against a team playing its second of back-to-back games.

The Wild had plenty of chances, including practically starting the game on the power play, but they were only able to convert once in the second period, thanks to Stephane Veillieux. Goalie Chris Mason, for the Blues, stood tall, stifling the already-struggling Wild offense.

In other words, Houston, we have a problem. But maybe the Wild shouldn't be calling Houston, maybe they should be calling out for something to get done with #10. Marian Gaborik has been missing since the second game of the season, and, while he can't answer all of the troubles the Wild currently have, something has to be done to get the team moving offensively. Although who knows? Maybe sending Mojzis down to the Aeros is a sign that the Wild might be getting offensive help soon.

Game pluses:
- Stephane Veillieux. Number 19 proved that forwards who aren't named Koivu can score for the Wild. Will the rest of the team pay attention.
- Marek Zidlicky. Not only did he start the play that gave the Wild its (brief) lead, but he registered a team-high (with Owen Nolan) 5 shots.
- Shot totals. The Wild was shooting the puck at the net, tossing the rubber towards Chris Mason.

Game minuses:
- Shot selection. To contrast with what was said above, sometimes getting the puck on net isn't enough. The shots need to be smart. Not every shot needs to result in a goal, but the Wild haven't been playing for rebounds, either.
- Play after scoring. It's a story as old as time. The Wild gets a goal, and then suffers a collapse shortly thereafter. For the fourth game in a row, the Wild gave up a goal within two minutes of scoring themselves.
- David Backes. The St. Louis Blues player received a game misconduct for a late boarding call against Brent Burns. While Burns seems to be alright, those hits are always frightening, and should be avoided.

Next up: Maybe the glare of national television will inspire the Wild. It certainly did when they played a brilliant game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tonight, they play host to Alex Ovechkin and the 11-6-3 Washington Capitals, who have never won at the Xcel.