Apparently, the Minnesota cure for a month-long slump is to take on three of the top teams in the NHL, and call on Niklas Backstrom. After struggling through the month of December, the Wild are now 3-0-1 in their past four games, with all three victories happening with Backstrom in net. Even better for the Wild, Backstrom has shut out his last two opponents, solidifying his selection to the All-Star game.
Backstrom wasn't the only impressive netminder in this game. Former Wild goalie Manny Fernandez took the start for Boston, and, aside from a power play blast from Marek Zidlicky, he was also brilliant. Both goaltenders turned away shots that probably should have gone in, and both goaltenders had plenty of support from their defenses. It's no surprise that, when these two played for Minnesota, they took home the William Jennings trophy for fewest goals allowed.
Game pluses:
- Goaltending. Both teams had great plays made in net. Backstrom just edged Fernandez in an exciting 1-0 game.
- Mikko Koivu. He may not be going to the All-Star game, but he's definitely earned a spot. Another complete game from Koivu last night helped secure the Wild victory.
- Krys Kolanos. Another player who's turned it on recently, Kolanos got an assist on the Zidlicky goal, almost scored on a couple of wrap-around chances, drew penalties, and even blocked a puck destined for the open net behind him, saving Backstrom's shutout.
Game minuses:
- Benoit Pouliot. Pouliot got out of Jacques Lemaire's doghouse thanks to injuries to other forwards, but may end up there again soon. He regularly overskated the puck, and was responsible for a number of the Wild's offsides calls. It's hard to score when you can't keep the puck on your own stick.
- Flying pucks. Zidlicky caught a puck in the face. So did Boston's Shane Hnidy (although Hnidy's was worse). While both players returned, it could have been much worse.
- First period. The Wild started slowly, spending almost all of the first period chasing Boston and the puck. Three consecutive penalties against the Bruins in the second changed the momentum, but Minnesota almost gave it back in the third period.
Next up: The Wild see if they can't continue their success against the Eastern Conference on Thursday when they take on the 21-10-9 Philadelphia Flyers. And yes, the Flyers currently lead their division.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Games Thirty-Seven and Thirty-Eight
December has been gone for less than a week, but the Minnesota Wild are doing everything they can to quickly erase the taste it left in their mouths. They closed out the month with a surprise 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, and then they had to face the Detroit Red Wings just a couple of days into the new year.
A week ago, if you'd said that the Wild would be the Sharks in overtime, and force overtime against the Red Wings, people would wonder where you were coming from. And yet, the Wild did just that, with the Wings getting a questionable goal late in the third period to tie the score at two, and then securing the only goal in a shootout, taking home the 3-2 (SO) victory. The Wild once again gave up the first goal, but never stopped battling, which resulted in two goals 31 seconds apart.
After the game against Detroit, the Wild had to head to Colorado to face the Avalanche the very next day, and, thanks to two goals by Owen Nolan and great goaltending by Niklas Backstrom, the Wild held on to a 2-0 victory. The Wild shutout Colorado for the first time in team history, as Backstrom sailed to his fourth shutout of the season.
Weekend pluses:
- Owen Nolan. The veteran came back from injury, is less than 100%, and yet turned in great goals in each game.
- Goaltending. Backstrom secured a shutout, and Josh Harding held the Red Wings to only two goals before the shootout. Harding's numbers deserve a record better than the one he's currently holding (1-4-1).
- Krys Kolanos. The call-up from Houston has been playing well, creating opportunities, and converting some of his own. He's a big reason why Jacques Lemaire can sit Benoit Pouliot. Speaking of...
Weekend minuses:
- Benoit Pouliot. Pouliot didn't play in either game this weekend, and he's supposed to be one of the Wild's offensive threats. It's pretty apparent that Pouliot has landed firmly in Lemaire's doghouse.
- Shortening the bench. True, the Wild only gave up the questionable high stick goal after deciding to rotate only four defensemen, but that could have been so much worse. Fresher legs might have kept Franzen from being close enough for the shot to be reviewed.
- Marian Gaborik. This was a huge blow for the Wild, as their top scorer announced that he'll be having surgery on his damaged hip. Expect to not see Gaby in a Wild jersey again.
Next up: After taking on the best the West has to offer, the Minnesota Wild head East to take on the top team there, as they face the 29-6-4 Boston Bruins.
A week ago, if you'd said that the Wild would be the Sharks in overtime, and force overtime against the Red Wings, people would wonder where you were coming from. And yet, the Wild did just that, with the Wings getting a questionable goal late in the third period to tie the score at two, and then securing the only goal in a shootout, taking home the 3-2 (SO) victory. The Wild once again gave up the first goal, but never stopped battling, which resulted in two goals 31 seconds apart.
After the game against Detroit, the Wild had to head to Colorado to face the Avalanche the very next day, and, thanks to two goals by Owen Nolan and great goaltending by Niklas Backstrom, the Wild held on to a 2-0 victory. The Wild shutout Colorado for the first time in team history, as Backstrom sailed to his fourth shutout of the season.
Weekend pluses:
- Owen Nolan. The veteran came back from injury, is less than 100%, and yet turned in great goals in each game.
- Goaltending. Backstrom secured a shutout, and Josh Harding held the Red Wings to only two goals before the shootout. Harding's numbers deserve a record better than the one he's currently holding (1-4-1).
- Krys Kolanos. The call-up from Houston has been playing well, creating opportunities, and converting some of his own. He's a big reason why Jacques Lemaire can sit Benoit Pouliot. Speaking of...
Weekend minuses:
- Benoit Pouliot. Pouliot didn't play in either game this weekend, and he's supposed to be one of the Wild's offensive threats. It's pretty apparent that Pouliot has landed firmly in Lemaire's doghouse.
- Shortening the bench. True, the Wild only gave up the questionable high stick goal after deciding to rotate only four defensemen, but that could have been so much worse. Fresher legs might have kept Franzen from being close enough for the shot to be reviewed.
- Marian Gaborik. This was a huge blow for the Wild, as their top scorer announced that he'll be having surgery on his damaged hip. Expect to not see Gaby in a Wild jersey again.
Next up: After taking on the best the West has to offer, the Minnesota Wild head East to take on the top team there, as they face the 29-6-4 Boston Bruins.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Game Thirty-Six: Wild 3, Sharks 2 (OT)
The Minnesota Wild ended 2008 in a huge way. While they've grown accustomed to playing with Marian Gaborik (and, if reports of possible surgery are true, they'll have to continue that mindset), they had abandoned the team play that led to the most successful November in franchise history, struggling through the month of December. When the San Jose Sharks came to town, holding the best record in the league, the Wild had to feel a little outclassed.
If they did, they never showed it. Putting together possibly the best all-around game of the season thus far, the Minnesota Wild shocked the Sharks, complete with Brent Burns scoring in overtime to seal a game that the Wild deserved to win. In fact, the Wild was 30 seconds away from handing San Jose only they're fifth regulation loss all season before Milan Michalek scored a late goal with the Sharks net empty, setting up Burns' heroics.
Of course, the Wild didn't get the win easily, which should be no surprise after the month that they'd had. It took two goals on one power play to get one to register, and there were plenty of other questions left on the ice as the Wild connected on post after post. Hopefully for Minnesota, they can take the momentum from beating San Jose into January, and take the lead from new team captain, Mikko Koivu.
Game pluses:
- Brent Burns. Not only did Burns score the game winning goal, and assist on both of the other goals, but he was a force defensively all game.
- Owen Nolan. Playing, by his own admission, at less than 100%, it was hard to tell that Nolan had barely practiced since returning from injury. The feisty Irishman scored the first goal of the game, and created plenty of chances as the time ticked down.
- Wild hockey. The top checking line shutting down the San Jose top scoring line. Great work in goal. Crashing the net. A Boogaard fight. This was the Wild team that fans saw in the beginning of the season.
Game minuses:
- Making luck. The Wild seemed to have rough luck, especially with the officials. Kris Kolanos almost wasn't credited with a goal that went in. Andrew Brunette had a goal waved off because of an early whistle. Niklas Backstrom was called for a delay of game, and Evgeni Nabokov was not on a similar play. The Wild kept pressing, but it looked like they were in danger of letting luck and officiating take them out of the game.
- Second period. While they were able to keep San Jose from doing more than tying the score, the second period was disjointed for Minnesota, as they spent too much time chasing the puck and not enough time controlling it.
- Marek Zidlicky. The Wild played a strong game in all ends. It seemed in many situations, however, that Zidlicky wasn't quite sure how to adjust to the style of the game, and he looked lost on the ice more than once.
Next up: The Wild take their big win with them into a game on Saturday night, as they face the 25-7-5 Detroit Red Wings, fresh off their own big win in the Winter Classic.
If they did, they never showed it. Putting together possibly the best all-around game of the season thus far, the Minnesota Wild shocked the Sharks, complete with Brent Burns scoring in overtime to seal a game that the Wild deserved to win. In fact, the Wild was 30 seconds away from handing San Jose only they're fifth regulation loss all season before Milan Michalek scored a late goal with the Sharks net empty, setting up Burns' heroics.
Of course, the Wild didn't get the win easily, which should be no surprise after the month that they'd had. It took two goals on one power play to get one to register, and there were plenty of other questions left on the ice as the Wild connected on post after post. Hopefully for Minnesota, they can take the momentum from beating San Jose into January, and take the lead from new team captain, Mikko Koivu.
Game pluses:
- Brent Burns. Not only did Burns score the game winning goal, and assist on both of the other goals, but he was a force defensively all game.
- Owen Nolan. Playing, by his own admission, at less than 100%, it was hard to tell that Nolan had barely practiced since returning from injury. The feisty Irishman scored the first goal of the game, and created plenty of chances as the time ticked down.
- Wild hockey. The top checking line shutting down the San Jose top scoring line. Great work in goal. Crashing the net. A Boogaard fight. This was the Wild team that fans saw in the beginning of the season.
Game minuses:
- Making luck. The Wild seemed to have rough luck, especially with the officials. Kris Kolanos almost wasn't credited with a goal that went in. Andrew Brunette had a goal waved off because of an early whistle. Niklas Backstrom was called for a delay of game, and Evgeni Nabokov was not on a similar play. The Wild kept pressing, but it looked like they were in danger of letting luck and officiating take them out of the game.
- Second period. While they were able to keep San Jose from doing more than tying the score, the second period was disjointed for Minnesota, as they spent too much time chasing the puck and not enough time controlling it.
- Marek Zidlicky. The Wild played a strong game in all ends. It seemed in many situations, however, that Zidlicky wasn't quite sure how to adjust to the style of the game, and he looked lost on the ice more than once.
Next up: The Wild take their big win with them into a game on Saturday night, as they face the 25-7-5 Detroit Red Wings, fresh off their own big win in the Winter Classic.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Game Thirty-Five: Wild 1, Flames 2
There's just something about playing in the Saddledome that dooms the Minnesota Wild. They've floundered there, and they entered Monday night's game against the Calgary Flames one defensemen short (said defensemen happened to be the team captain), fresh off of a stinging blowout loss against the Chicago Blackhawks, and still missing their most potent offensive player.
And they almost pulled it off. The Wild played the Flames tight, hard, and strong all game long, and if it wasn't for a few bounces going for Calgary instead of for Minnesota, this game could have had a very different result. When even Derek Boogaard is able to generate offensive chances, somethings clicking, and, while the Wild couldn't solve Miikka Kiprusoff, they found a way to get pressure going, and have to look at the Calgary loss as a step in the right direction. Of course, this is the NHL, and there's no time to dwell on the good or bad, as the Wild take the ice again on New Year's Eve.
Game pluses:
- Stephane Veilleux. Veilleux's goal was shot so hard the officials almost didn't call it. The fiery redhead looks like he's starting to pick up his intensity.
- Cal Clutterbuck. The Wild spark plug was once again a physical force on the ice, and almost got himself a goal thanks to good follow through.
- Josh Harding. He took the loss, and blamed himself at the end of the game. But, in truth, Harding's played spectacularly in the few games he's been called on. The Wild just haven't found a way to get him any goal support.
Game minuses:
- Special teams. Not only do the Wild not convert any of their own power plays, but both of Calgary's goals came on special teams, with the winner coming while the Flames were shorthanded.
- Benoit Pouliot. Maybe the Wild is snake bit in the Saddledome, but it certainly doesn't help when a player on a breakaway loses the puck through poor stick handling.
- Antti Miettinen. Another botched breakaway, this time because Miettinen decided to look for the pass when he had an open shot.
Next up: The schedule stays tough for the Wild, as they face the best in the NHL on New Year's Eve, playing against the 28-4-4 San Jose Sharks.
And they almost pulled it off. The Wild played the Flames tight, hard, and strong all game long, and if it wasn't for a few bounces going for Calgary instead of for Minnesota, this game could have had a very different result. When even Derek Boogaard is able to generate offensive chances, somethings clicking, and, while the Wild couldn't solve Miikka Kiprusoff, they found a way to get pressure going, and have to look at the Calgary loss as a step in the right direction. Of course, this is the NHL, and there's no time to dwell on the good or bad, as the Wild take the ice again on New Year's Eve.
Game pluses:
- Stephane Veilleux. Veilleux's goal was shot so hard the officials almost didn't call it. The fiery redhead looks like he's starting to pick up his intensity.
- Cal Clutterbuck. The Wild spark plug was once again a physical force on the ice, and almost got himself a goal thanks to good follow through.
- Josh Harding. He took the loss, and blamed himself at the end of the game. But, in truth, Harding's played spectacularly in the few games he's been called on. The Wild just haven't found a way to get him any goal support.
Game minuses:
- Special teams. Not only do the Wild not convert any of their own power plays, but both of Calgary's goals came on special teams, with the winner coming while the Flames were shorthanded.
- Benoit Pouliot. Maybe the Wild is snake bit in the Saddledome, but it certainly doesn't help when a player on a breakaway loses the puck through poor stick handling.
- Antti Miettinen. Another botched breakaway, this time because Miettinen decided to look for the pass when he had an open shot.
Next up: The schedule stays tough for the Wild, as they face the best in the NHL on New Year's Eve, playing against the 28-4-4 San Jose Sharks.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Game Thirty-Four: Wild 1, Blackhawks 4
The Minnesota Wild got an early Christmas present on December 23rd, with a game against an Eastern Conference opponent. On December 28th, it was a return to the West, and, even worse for Minnesota, the opponent was the red-hot Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks entered the game on an 8-game winning streak, and hadn't lost in the month of December. Meanwhile, the Wild's been lucky to win in that same stretch of time.
This game was over well before the final minute had ticked off the clock, as well. The Blackhawks outplayed the Wild in every area of the ice, except for hits, and the Wild proceeded to spot Chicago a three-goal lead. Minnesota never really got skating well, and they were badly outshot all game long.
An interesting note, as we mentioned before, was the Wild's decision to keep Marian Gaborik out of the line-up. Either Gaby is still nursing back to health, or the Wild is shopping him around and look to move him soon. Not much else makes sense, especially for a team that now finds itself in 11th place in the conference.
Game pluses:
- Cal Clutterbuck. Physical play, open ice checks, and a beautiful breakaway goal. He brought a spark to a team that needs something to get itself going.
- Krys Kolanos. Kolanos played a physical game as well, and almost created opportunities.
- Mikko Koivu. Koivu may not have been able to help the puck find the net, but he continued scrapping for every inch of real estate he could get, and his skill alone created chances.
Game minuses:
- First goal. Again, the Minnesota Wild are not a team that comes back easily. When skating against the fast, young, and aggressive Blackhawks, the first goal alone made a mountain for Minnesota to climb.
- Defense. None of the team's defenders played well. One of the worst, at least when it came to puck control, was team captain Kim Johnsson. Any doubts that the "C" will be getting moved again in a couple of days?
- Antti Miettinen. The defense wasn't the only thing that was bad. Chicago's first goal came from right in front of Miettinen, on a puck that, depending on the camera angle, it looked like he might have accidentally tipped in. Miettinen has looked lost on the ice for more than a month.
Next up: It doesn't get any easier for Minnesota, as tonight they head to Calgary to play the 20-11-4 Calgary Flames. The Wild are only 2 points out of 8th in the Conference, but they're also only 5 points away from the bottom of the pile.
This game was over well before the final minute had ticked off the clock, as well. The Blackhawks outplayed the Wild in every area of the ice, except for hits, and the Wild proceeded to spot Chicago a three-goal lead. Minnesota never really got skating well, and they were badly outshot all game long.
An interesting note, as we mentioned before, was the Wild's decision to keep Marian Gaborik out of the line-up. Either Gaby is still nursing back to health, or the Wild is shopping him around and look to move him soon. Not much else makes sense, especially for a team that now finds itself in 11th place in the conference.
Game pluses:
- Cal Clutterbuck. Physical play, open ice checks, and a beautiful breakaway goal. He brought a spark to a team that needs something to get itself going.
- Krys Kolanos. Kolanos played a physical game as well, and almost created opportunities.
- Mikko Koivu. Koivu may not have been able to help the puck find the net, but he continued scrapping for every inch of real estate he could get, and his skill alone created chances.
Game minuses:
- First goal. Again, the Minnesota Wild are not a team that comes back easily. When skating against the fast, young, and aggressive Blackhawks, the first goal alone made a mountain for Minnesota to climb.
- Defense. None of the team's defenders played well. One of the worst, at least when it came to puck control, was team captain Kim Johnsson. Any doubts that the "C" will be getting moved again in a couple of days?
- Antti Miettinen. The defense wasn't the only thing that was bad. Chicago's first goal came from right in front of Miettinen, on a puck that, depending on the camera angle, it looked like he might have accidentally tipped in. Miettinen has looked lost on the ice for more than a month.
Next up: It doesn't get any easier for Minnesota, as tonight they head to Calgary to play the 20-11-4 Calgary Flames. The Wild are only 2 points out of 8th in the Conference, but they're also only 5 points away from the bottom of the pile.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Game Thirty-Three: Wild 3, Hurricanes 2
At the start of the game, it looked like the Minnesota Wild were going to give the Carolina Hurricanes a gift. Less than two minutes into the second period, and the Wild, falling fast in the standings, found themselves in a two-goal hole. That's when the line of Marian Gaborik, Mikko Koivu, and Andrew Brunette was assembled, and, from that point on, it was a very different game.
The Wild came out with three unanswered goals, and didn't give the lead up for the remainder of the game, including during a long 5-on-3 disadvantage. While Carolina had some chances down the stretch, the Wild, and goalie Niklas Backstrom, stood strong in the end, entering the holiday break with a win.
Minnesota will need to take that win and keep moving forward, especially with the news that Gaborik will be held out by the team for the first two games after the break. Could this mean a trade is looming? The team says, "No", but it is one of the few things that makes sense as to why Gaby is being kept out of the line-up.
Game pluses:
- Cal Clutterbuck. He got the Wild on the scoreboard, and assembled enough hits to take over the team record for hits in a season. Clutterbuck has provided some much needed grit to the roster.
- Marian Gaborik. He tallied the tying goal, and assisted on Clutterbuck's goal. Maybe he should play with Koivu and Brunette more often.
- Penalty killers. Not only did they kill off the full two minutes at 5-on-3, but it was a shorthanded goal by Stephane Veilleux that decided the game.
Game minuses:
- Early scoring. Again, the Wild couldn't get the puck into the net in the first period, and again, they had to play from behind.
- Antti Miettinen. After Krys Kolanos took a bad penalty, Miettinen took a worse one, giving the 'Canes that game-changing 5-on-3. Luckily for the Wild, they killed the penalty off.
- Nick Schultz. True, he started the play that lead to Veilleux's goal. He also was the direct cause of Carolina's second goal.
Next up: The Wild have a long break, not playing again until Sunday, when they face the 18-6-7 Chicago Blackhawks.
The Wild came out with three unanswered goals, and didn't give the lead up for the remainder of the game, including during a long 5-on-3 disadvantage. While Carolina had some chances down the stretch, the Wild, and goalie Niklas Backstrom, stood strong in the end, entering the holiday break with a win.
Minnesota will need to take that win and keep moving forward, especially with the news that Gaborik will be held out by the team for the first two games after the break. Could this mean a trade is looming? The team says, "No", but it is one of the few things that makes sense as to why Gaby is being kept out of the line-up.
Game pluses:
- Cal Clutterbuck. He got the Wild on the scoreboard, and assembled enough hits to take over the team record for hits in a season. Clutterbuck has provided some much needed grit to the roster.
- Marian Gaborik. He tallied the tying goal, and assisted on Clutterbuck's goal. Maybe he should play with Koivu and Brunette more often.
- Penalty killers. Not only did they kill off the full two minutes at 5-on-3, but it was a shorthanded goal by Stephane Veilleux that decided the game.
Game minuses:
- Early scoring. Again, the Wild couldn't get the puck into the net in the first period, and again, they had to play from behind.
- Antti Miettinen. After Krys Kolanos took a bad penalty, Miettinen took a worse one, giving the 'Canes that game-changing 5-on-3. Luckily for the Wild, they killed the penalty off.
- Nick Schultz. True, he started the play that lead to Veilleux's goal. He also was the direct cause of Carolina's second goal.
Next up: The Wild have a long break, not playing again until Sunday, when they face the 18-6-7 Chicago Blackhawks.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Games Thirty-One and Thirty-Two
Call it one step forward, one giant leap back. On Friday night, the Wild took on one of the weakest teams in the Eastern Conference, and came out with a resounding 4-1 victory. On Saturday, they took on one of the weakest teams in the Western Conference, and found themselves on the losing end of a 4-2 tilt.
When it rains it pours, huh? It's not like the Wild haven't been getting chances, but too many missed nets, hit posts, and shots straight into the goaltender have made an already anemic offensive team look even worse. While the Wild are playing well against the East, they reside in the West, and need to piece things together quickly if they want to find themselves on the inside of the playoff bubble.
To make matters worse, the Wild also lost Marc-Andre Bergeron to injury during Saturday's game. While Bergeron hasn't been stellar defensively, the Wild will definitely miss his 16 points from the blue line. And, with the holiday roster freeze in effect until the 27th, no help will be coming before tonight's game against Carolina.
Game pluses:
- Mikko Koivu. Koivu was captain for the winningest November in team history, and has continued to play well without the "C". Maybe it's time to give it back.
- Cal Clutterbuck. The kid's continued to play a physical game, and should eclipse the team record for hits tonight. He's also starting to find his NHL shot.
- Pierre-Marc Bouchard. Could the playmaker be settling down? A couple of good games could help Bouchard find his game, after a rough start to the season.
Game minuses:
- Goal, then let-up. The Wild have had a habit all season of surrendering a goal quickly after scoring. They can't allow that to continue.
- Scoring first. The Wild haven't put the first tally on the board in eight games. Minnesota is not a team that can easily come from behind.
- Lines. We know coach Jacques Lemaire likes to juggle lines, but leaving Marian Gaborik on the third line until late in the game makes little to no sense. Sure, he's recovering from an injury, but he's also the biggest offensive threat. Partner him regularly with Koivu or PMB, and things might turn around.
Next up: The Wild look to enter the Christmas break on a strong note, but have to go through 16-13-5 Carolina Hurricanes to do so. The Wild take their 8-1-1 record against the East into the game, while the Hurricanes are only 3-4-1 against the West.
When it rains it pours, huh? It's not like the Wild haven't been getting chances, but too many missed nets, hit posts, and shots straight into the goaltender have made an already anemic offensive team look even worse. While the Wild are playing well against the East, they reside in the West, and need to piece things together quickly if they want to find themselves on the inside of the playoff bubble.
To make matters worse, the Wild also lost Marc-Andre Bergeron to injury during Saturday's game. While Bergeron hasn't been stellar defensively, the Wild will definitely miss his 16 points from the blue line. And, with the holiday roster freeze in effect until the 27th, no help will be coming before tonight's game against Carolina.
Game pluses:
- Mikko Koivu. Koivu was captain for the winningest November in team history, and has continued to play well without the "C". Maybe it's time to give it back.
- Cal Clutterbuck. The kid's continued to play a physical game, and should eclipse the team record for hits tonight. He's also starting to find his NHL shot.
- Pierre-Marc Bouchard. Could the playmaker be settling down? A couple of good games could help Bouchard find his game, after a rough start to the season.
Game minuses:
- Goal, then let-up. The Wild have had a habit all season of surrendering a goal quickly after scoring. They can't allow that to continue.
- Scoring first. The Wild haven't put the first tally on the board in eight games. Minnesota is not a team that can easily come from behind.
- Lines. We know coach Jacques Lemaire likes to juggle lines, but leaving Marian Gaborik on the third line until late in the game makes little to no sense. Sure, he's recovering from an injury, but he's also the biggest offensive threat. Partner him regularly with Koivu or PMB, and things might turn around.
Next up: The Wild look to enter the Christmas break on a strong note, but have to go through 16-13-5 Carolina Hurricanes to do so. The Wild take their 8-1-1 record against the East into the game, while the Hurricanes are only 3-4-1 against the West.
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