Game Fifty-Six: Wild 2, Flames 3 (OT)

Once again, the Minnesota Wild found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Sadly, there's no joke there, as the Wild finally had found a stride against the Calgary Flames, and sat back long enough to let Calgary sneak back into the game, tie the score, and eventually win it in overtime.

It was a game of weird bounces, but every game against Calgary tends to be that way. Plain and simple, though, even though the Wild had all the momentum going their way from a point about 15 minutes into the first through a point about 15 minutes through the second, they didn't do much with it. They got a 2-1 lead, and then sat without putting enough pressure on the Flames. After Calgary tied the game in the second, the Wild couldn't mount any offense, as they got stifled. It's also the point in the season where the Flames can be happy with getting at least one point, but the Wild desperately need two. Need proof? Look at the standings, and see where the Wild sit with regards to the teams that are playoff bound at present. Now, look at how the Wild has been playing as of late. Doesn't look like a team that even wants to find themselves in the postseason.

Game pluses:
- Dan Fritsche. His shorthanded goal was started by his check against Rene Bourque. Even if Calgary's complaint about a slew foot is correct, Fritsche's play was strong. It'd be a shame if his first Wild goal came after an illegal play.
- Colton Gillies. The rookie showed what can be done by throwing the puck towards the net and following the play, as he notced his second goal of his career.
- Cal Clutterbuck. Clutterbuck played his physical game, and even drew the penalty that lead to the Wild's only (ineffective) power play.

Game minuses:
- Marek Zidlicky. Calgary's first goal came after a horrendous defensive play by Zidlicky, and it wasn't the only one. He seems to be more focused on trying to add offense than on playing his position.
- Niklas Backstrom. Backstrom was not sharp against the Flames. Too often out of position, or giving up juicy rebounds, Backstrom only made it to overtime because the Flames took a relatively low number of fairly safe shots.
- Deflated. The Wild had all of the momentum through most of the second period. They kept the Flames from getting a shot for almost fifteen minutes. Then Calgary ties the game, the Wild turtle, and they only manage one shot in the third period. There needs to be a sense of urgency, especially when you're trying to push to get back into playoff positioning, and the Wild haven't had any urgency in weeks.

Next up: It certainly isn't going to get any easier, as the weekend features the Wild facing off against the Detroit Red Wings (currently 2nd in the conference) on Saturday, and then visiting the Chicago Blackhawks (currently 4th in the conference) on Sunday. It's not too late to make some heroics, but it's definitely getting there.