Game Fifty-four: Wild 2, Red Wings 4

If the Minnesota Wild make it to the playoffs, they better hope that they don't run into the Detroit Red Wings. While the first meeting between the teams resulted in a shootout, the second was more typical, as Detroit skated circles around the Wild, en route to a 4-2 victory.

Minnesota spent the entire game chasing the puck and making bad decisions defensively. Too many times, the Wild defense closed down completely around one player, opening another for an easy shot. This lack of discipline really hurt Minnesota, especially against a team that takes so many shots. After a first period where both teams scored one goal, the Wild could have taken some momentum, especially with how badly they were being outshot. Instead, the Red Wings just put themselves into another gear, and blew past the Wild. There's a reason that Detroit is a perennial Stanley Cup contender, and the Wild were there to witness it.

Game pluses:
- Mikko Koivu. Again, the Finnish star tried to put the team on his back. His shorthanded goal was incredibly impressive, and almost sparked the Wild to try to make a comeback.
- Josh Harding. Sure, he gave up four goals, but he did it by facing over 40 shots. The only real bad goal he gave up was on the wrap-around attempt.
- Penalty kill. If there's one thing the Wild can take away from the game as a positive, it's that they shut down the top power play in the league. Too bad they couldn't do the same even-strength.

Game minuses:
- Defense. The Wild chased the puck, couldn't clear their own zone, and just looked lost against the fluid Red Wings.
- Cal Clutterbuck. The kid extended his NHL lead in hits, but he made a few too many bad passes. At least he scrambled back to try and correct his mistakes.
- Brent Burns. He scored the Wild's first goal, but proceeded to spend the rest of the game out of position, not being sure who to cover, and trying to do too much with his stick while not moving his legs.

Next up: The Wild return home to face the 20-25-8 Ottawa Senators.