Game Thirty-Five: Wild 1, Flames 2

There's just something about playing in the Saddledome that dooms the Minnesota Wild. They've floundered there, and they entered Monday night's game against the Calgary Flames one defensemen short (said defensemen happened to be the team captain), fresh off of a stinging blowout loss against the Chicago Blackhawks, and still missing their most potent offensive player.

And they almost pulled it off. The Wild played the Flames tight, hard, and strong all game long, and if it wasn't for a few bounces going for Calgary instead of for Minnesota, this game could have had a very different result. When even Derek Boogaard is able to generate offensive chances, somethings clicking, and, while the Wild couldn't solve Miikka Kiprusoff, they found a way to get pressure going, and have to look at the Calgary loss as a step in the right direction. Of course, this is the NHL, and there's no time to dwell on the good or bad, as the Wild take the ice again on New Year's Eve.

Game pluses:
- Stephane Veilleux. Veilleux's goal was shot so hard the officials almost didn't call it. The fiery redhead looks like he's starting to pick up his intensity.
- Cal Clutterbuck. The Wild spark plug was once again a physical force on the ice, and almost got himself a goal thanks to good follow through.
- Josh Harding. He took the loss, and blamed himself at the end of the game. But, in truth, Harding's played spectacularly in the few games he's been called on. The Wild just haven't found a way to get him any goal support.

Game minuses:
- Special teams. Not only do the Wild not convert any of their own power plays, but both of Calgary's goals came on special teams, with the winner coming while the Flames were shorthanded.
- Benoit Pouliot. Maybe the Wild is snake bit in the Saddledome, but it certainly doesn't help when a player on a breakaway loses the puck through poor stick handling.
- Antti Miettinen. Another botched breakaway, this time because Miettinen decided to look for the pass when he had an open shot.

Next up: The schedule stays tough for the Wild, as they face the best in the NHL on New Year's Eve, playing against the 28-4-4 San Jose Sharks.