Game Nineteen: Wild 4, Capitals 3

For 55 minutes of a 60 minute game, it certainly looked like the Minnesota Wild were set to take an easy victory, once again stifling a top offense on national television. Not only did they break out of their team scoring doldrums, but James Sheppard notched his first of the year, and Cal Clutterbuck, better known for aiming his body at opposing players, scored his first two goals of his career, including one on the powerplay. The Wild built a 4-0 lead, and things were looking good.

That is, until the last five minutes of the third period. Suddenly, in a span of 3:33, the Washington Capitals had to pulled to within one goal, and they were continuing to press. Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom had played well, but Matt Bradley, Alex Ovechkin, and Washington center Nicklas Backstrom were able to beat the normally solid Wild defense, setting up a late flurry, complete with an empty net in the Capitals end. The Wild weathered the storm for their 12th victory of the season, but after having dominated so well for the majority of the game, the third period collapse should lead to some questions.

Game pluses:
- Cal Clutterbuck. The kid was once again leading with his body, but this time, it wasn't just by throwing it at the other team. Both of Clutterbuck's goals were the results of good positioning on his part. As for his shot? It's a beautiful thing to watch in action.
- The fourth line. True, Clutterbuck getting the two goals helped out his linemates getting notice, but again, it felt like the Clutterbuck/Pouliot/Boogaard line was playing tighter than many of the other lines.
- Brent Burns. The forward-turned-defensemen-turned-forward notched two assists, and created some havoc with a good forecheck.

Game minuses:
- James Sheppard. Yes, the sophomore center got his first goal of the season, but he spent a good deal of the game looking out of step with the Washington skaters.
- Kim Johnsson and Nick Schultz. The Wild defenders both stopped skating at points in the last five minutes, and opened up the chances for Washington. After having played well for most of the game, they fell apart, and brought the team with them.
- Shortening the bench. It's something Coach Lemaire has done time and time again, especially with the lead. And yet, while the Wild were rolling four lines, they played tight, with intensity, and kept out-skating Washington. As soon as Jacques took the team down the three lines, Washington was able to put the pressure on, and almost forced overtime.

Next up: The Wild will see a familiar face as Mark Parrish and the 6-10-4 Dallas Stars come to town.