Minnesota Wild lose to Calgary Flames, Backstrom lets in 5 unanswered goals

The Wild lost to the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night in Calgarys’ Saddledome. Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom allowed 5 consecutive pucks past him that gave Calgary the lead and the victory. For the first 20 minutes, the Wild played smart and disciplined hockey to build a three - zip lead on the Flames. Brian Rolston, Mark Parrish and Wes Walz all scored quick goals for the Wild. In fact, fans in the Saddledome booed their Flames because the game looked so lopsided.  It appeared the Wild were on their way to another win, but the Wild defense self destructed in the second period when the Flames stormed back, scoring three times in less than five minutes, tying the game 3-3 heading into the third. The Flames added on two more goals in the third to send the Wild packing.

WILD FACT: Never in six-plus seasons had the Wild built a three-goal lead and lost. It was the first time Calgary has fallen down three goals and won since Nov. 10, 1998.

This Wild hockey fan realizes that some on ice calls will go in your favor and some will go against you, but the refs in the Saddledome seemed a bit inconsistent with the penalties and the Wild definitely suffered from it. I am not blaming the loss on the refs, but it continues to amaze me how the officiating of any pro sport game can affect the outcome of the game.