Game Forty-One: Wild 2, Blue Jackets 4

For the second game in a row, the Minnesota Wild entered the third period tied 1-1 with their opponents. In previous years, that could lead Wild fans to being excited, given that the Wild used to control the third period completely. Now, it's a cause for panic. Once again, for the second game in a row, the Wild proceeded to give up three unanswered goals, this time getting one meaningless goal in the final minute to only allow the Columbus Blue Jackets to skate to a 4-2 victory.

And it could have been worse. Columbus was playing with many of their starters out with injury. Meanwhile, the Wild were playing without much of a hope, as they spent the entire game chasing the puck, and being schooled by a kid fresh from the World Junior tournament.

Game pluses:
- Antti Miettinen. While his defensive play wasn't as strong as it's been as of late, he finally seems to be understanding the concept of getting the puck towards the net. He was rewarded when Steve Mason lost track of the shot and it floated in.
- Marek Zidlicky. He notched another power play goal, keeping the Wild from going 0-for-two games with the man advantage.
- Cal Clutterbuck. In a scary moment, Clutterbuck was hit from behind into the boards by Mike Commodore. The plus is because Clutterbuck has been playing well most of the game, and because he's stressing that he's fine.

Game minuses:
- Josh Harding. Often, you can point to a lack of goal support as the reason Harding loses a game. Not this time, as he was out of position more often than not.
- Benoit Pouliot. The kid couldn't keep the puck on his stick. Some may consider him trade bait at this point, but, the way he's played, which other team would take him, and what could the Wild possibly get in return?
- Physicality. Once Clutterbuck got slammed into the boards, the Wild completely abandoned any sort of hitting. This just opened up the ice even more for Columbus, who used speed to their advantage.

Next up: The Wild return home and try to right the ship, as they face the 21-17-5 Phoenix Coyotes.