Game Twenty-Two: Wild 6, Predators 2

This was the offensively challenged Minnesota Wild? Not only did they pour on six goals against the Nashville Predators, but over the last five games, they've averaged 4.2 goals per game. This is all still without their best scorer, but a player who's jersey number is only off by one digit has been working to see that become a non-issue.

The Wild jumped out to an early start, scoring twice in the first period while on the power play, once 5-on-3, and then immediately after while 5-on-4. In fact, the power play came alive for the Wild, as five of their six tallies came with the man advantage. With as much time as both teams spent in the penalty box, the resurgence of the power play for the Wild was a good sign.

One of the more interesting points in the game came during the second period. Stephane Veilleux fought with Nashville's Scott Nichol, the ensuing faced off saw Derek Boogaard drop the gloves against Wade Belak, and the very next face off featured Craig Weller (in his second fight of the game) squaring off against Jordin Tootoo. That ugliness didn't last for the remainder of the game, but it will definitely make next Saturday interesting, as the Wild will be back in Nashville to visit again.

Game pluses:
- Mikko Koivu. Earlier in the season, it seemed like Antti Miettinen was trying to get Wild fans to forget about Marian Gaborik. Maybe fans just needed to wait for Koivu to hit his stride. The Wild captain through October and November notched two goals, added an assist, and was strong all over the ice.
- Craig Weller. Playing for the first time in awhile, Weller got his first goal with the Wild on a third-period power play. His fight with Shea Weber in the first period also directly resulted in the Wild's 5-on-3 that resulted in two goals.
- Josh Harding. Admittedly, when your team scores six goals, you don't need to be perfect in net, but Harding reminded the Wild that they have two viable starting goaltenders.

Game minuses:
- Fights. While the Wild came out ahead with regards to the fighting, a few of the scuffles shouldn't have happened. It was almost a shame that Derek Boogaard's only shift of the game resulted in his fight with Belak.
- Penalty kill. Admittedly, the Wild spoiled fans by only giving up four power play goals in the first sixteen games of the season. Since then, they've given up five tallies.
- Eric Belanger. Belanger didn't play due to an injury. With an already thin center corps, the Wild have to hope that Belanger will be back in the line-up soon.

Next up: The Minnesota Wild return home, and to the Versus Network, as they face off against a division rival, the 11-12-0 Colorado Avalanche.