Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Ducks: Game Recap

For Anaheim reaction, please visit Anaheim Calling or Battle of California.

Through two, the Wild 21-11, had the Ducks pinned in their own zone several times, were beating the Ducks in every aspect of the game, and just needed to capitalize on any of many scoring chances. It was not to be however, and as mentioned above, the Wild took most of the third period off, being out shot 16-2 in the period, and not getting anywhere near the pressure nor the chances the got in the first 2/3 of the game. Entering the extra five minutes, the Wild were now being out shot 27-23.

The refs decided to review it, with only Mikko Koivu and Ducks coach Randy Carlyle left to watch the result.

A big win for the Wild, even if the third period wasn't very good for them. They have now been out shot 587 times this season, a new NHL record. OK, maybe not, but you get the point. Eventually, they really need someone to shoot the puck, and someone to put the puck in the back of the net.

I'm going to try to talk more about this tomorrow... but what the hell were the fans doing all night tonight? Chances were every where for the Wild, they played their best first period of the season, and the place was silent. I don't mean to criticize, but someone needs to light a fire out in the crowd a little bit. I nominate SpeathCo.

Hockey Wilderness Three Stars:

1. Niklas Backstrom (27 saves, .964 save %)
2. Martin Havlat (1G, 5 (!) SOG, 20:01 TOI)
3. Curtis McElhinney (25 saves)

Five Questions: