Game Thirty: Wild 2, Flames 3 (OT)

When you're struggling with a long losing streak, it's hard to see any positives. And yet, the Minnesota Wild need to see some positives from their game Wednesday night against the Calgary Flames. True, the Wild dropped their sixth game in a row, but they were able to gain a point in the standings for the first time since December 3. And, while he may not be long for the team, Marian Gaborik was back on the ice to remind the Wild of what they have.

True, Gaborik had rust to shake off, but after having missed twenty-seven games thus far this season, it was good to see him work the puck and contribute the flashes of brilliance he is so well known for. In fact, Gaborik contibuted to both Minnesota goals, setting up Andrew Brunette for the first, and taking the feed from Brunette for the second.

Unfortunately for the Wild, Todd Bertuzzi got a great opportunity in the overtime period, and he was able to bury the shot, closing out the game for the Flames in dramatic fashion. While the season hasn't even reached the midpoint, the Wild have to find a way to quickly restore the magic they had for the early part of the season.

Game pluses:
- Marian Gaborik. Was he flawless with the puck? Not by a long shot. And yet, he was able to get two big points, helping the Wild at least force overtime.
- Andrew Brunette. Bruno seemed to be the player who got the most benefit from the return of #10, as he notched a goal and an assist of his own.
- Cal Clutterbuck. The kid has been playing with a spark all season, and that spark is starting to turn into chances to skate with players like Mikko Koivu and Marian Gaborik. Not only does he provide a front-of-net presence, but he can be an intimidating force.


Game minuses:
- Kim Johnsson. Calgary's go-ahead goal after the 1-1 tie came after Johnsson tipped the puck towards a Flames player. The only good thing was that he tipped it away from Jerome Iginla.
- Antti Miettinen. Not only has Miettinen gone ice-cold since his early hot streak, but his errant pass lead to Todd Bertuzzi's game winner.
- The Bergeron/Zidlicky pairing. Maybe they were just victimized by Miettinen's pass, but Bergeron and Zidlicky together have not been consistent on defense. Maybe it's time for the Wild to work a little different defensive rotation.


Next up: The Wild need to get things moving, and facing another struggling team might be enough to get Minnesota back into the top 8 teams in the conference. They play the 10-18-3 New York Islanders tonight.