2009-10 Game Four: Wild 2, Sharks 4

The one thing that the Minnesota Wild definitely didn't need any more of was adversity, but that seems to be what they'll be continuing to get plenty of. After battling hard against the San Jose Sharks for a period and a half, the Wild suffered some crippling injuries to Petr Sykora and Cal Clutterbuck. What had been a strong start became a train wreck, as the Wild fell for the third time in four games.

If it hadn't been for the injuries, things might have ended very differently. The Wild found themselves up 2-0 on the Sharks, and they had put together a strong first period for the first time all season. They pressed on the forecheck, and applied pressure, peppering shots on goal. Unfortunately, the injuries caused coach Todd Richards to start rotating only three lines, and the tired players just couldn't keep up the assault. Quick mental lapses allowed the Sharks to tie the game, and more extended periods of exhaustion gave the game away. Proof that the Wild were physically and mentally exhausted happened right away in the third period, when the game was put out of reach.

Game pluses:
- Forecheck. The Wild were attacking and pressuring at the beginning of the game. It was only when they ran out of gas that they had to pull back. Unfortunately, at that point, it was too late.
- First period. For the first time this season, the Wild looked ready to play when the puck dropped. Being able to take a 1-0 lead into intermission had to give the players confidence that the system will work.
- Andrew Brunette. The veteran forward continues to be a bit of a surprise, leading the team with goals. A big reason why? He's able to play his game, battling behind the net and around the sides, with other players like Mikko Koivu and Martin Havlat skating out near the circles.

Game minuses:
- Injuries. It may go without saying, but the injuries to Clutterbuck and Sykora may have made a long road trip even longer. The Wild need both to get healthy as quickly as possible, and, without Clutterbuck, they may have difficulty finding a spark.
- Power play. Ignore the power play goal. The Wild should have scored more on the power play, but their inability to convert helped cripple them.
- Awareness. There is simply no excuse for the quick San Jose goal at the start of the third period. One the puck drops, you have to be prepared.

Next up: The Wild look to get their trip back in the right direction as they head to Anaheim, to take on the only team they've beaten thus far.