2009-10 Game Seventy: Wild 0, Predators 5

Maybe it was for the best that most Minnesota Wild fans were only able to listen to their game against the Nashville Predators. Riding high on a three-game win streak, and in a position where they practically need to win every game for the remainder of the season if they want to see a glimpse of the playoffs, the Wild got outplayed in every aspect of the game, as the Predators handed them their worst loss of the season.

This game featured two teams fighting hard for the playoffs, but from two different perspectives. The Wild need to string together points badly, and they need help, if they want to crack the top eight. Meanwhile, Nashville also need to keep collecting points in the standings, but that's to stay where they are, and the Predators are hoping to avoid a first-round match-up with the San Jose Sharks. Obviously, Nashville wanted the game more, as they came out swinging, and delivered multiple knock-out punches to a Wild team that couldn't find its rhythm, and barely found the puck.

Game pluses:
- Greg Zanon. While the Wild have been banged up, and have experienced defensive lapses, Zanon has been one of the more steady players. Here's hoping that the shot he blocked late in the game doesn't leave him off of the ice against Columbus tonight.
- Fast opening. It doesn't look that way, but the Wild actually did come out of the gate with energy, and some ability to move the puck. Unfortunately, two quick goals just before the midpoint of the period took all the wind out of Minnesota's sails.
- Casey Wellman. No, the kid didn't play. But after the way the Wild got trounced in Nashville, it wouldn't be surprising if he makes his NHL debut against Columbus. All the reports say that he's got a great shot, and has a very good chance of cracking the Wild roster next season. If he lives up to his potential, the Wild may have a verified second-line center, behind Mikko Koivu.

Game minuses:
- Josh Harding. The Wild netminder seemed bewildered at times, most notably on the third Nashville goal. In his defense, the shot just before had broken his chest protector, but Harding himself admitted to a mental lapse leading to the wide open net.
- Shots. Even with the game seemingly out of reach after a three-goal Nashville start, the Wild had a chance to scramble back into it. After all, this team has won games from similar deficits all season. However, you aren't going to crawl back into a hockey game when you only manage eight shots in the final two periods.
- Compete. The Wild started strong, and had a couple of early chances. Then Nashville scored twice in under two minutes, and the game was over. Minnesota never recovered, and for a team that needs to fight if they want to see postseason play, they just didn't have it. Ultimately, this might be a blessing in disguise, as the Wild would almost invariably fall in the first round this season, and they can definitely use a higher draft position to their advantage.

Next up: The Wild see if they can get back on track, taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight.