Minnesota Wild Vs. Anaheim Ducks: Game Recap

For the enemy perspective, please visit Anaheim Calling or Battle of California

In this second game of a back-to-back, the Wild needed a win to try and favorably separate themselves from the 387 other teams they are tied with. Win they did, but was it a deserved win? It was for at least one Wild player, that's for sure.

The game was about as chippy as a game can get without there being a fight. A lot of late hits, errant sticks, lots of traffic in front of the nets (usually the Wild's), yet no fights. Color me surprised.

This game was pretty much entirely stress-worthy, but the collective heart of the Wild fanbase can now resume beating normally as the Wild stole two points and clutches on to that precious playoff spot. Once again, in what seems like the millionth game in a row, our best player was in the goal crease. Theo was legendary tonight. By now, we're used to our goalies backstopping us to 40+ save wins, but this one might've been the most amazing and important ones of the season. Not only did he stop 46 pucks, but he was never beaten cleanly. Those two goals came off of rebounds the defense couldn't get to in time. Next game, monday, on D-day, against the Blackhawks. We could be looking at a slightly different Wild team by then. We'll see. Be there, OR ELSE...or else... or else you'll miss the fun... and stuff.

G'night!

Game Notes:

Bobby Ryan's second period goal was the 100th in his career

 Antii Miettinen matched a personal career-high, notching 3 assists for the second time of his career.

The Wild just need 2 more road wins to match a franchise-high 19. They've got 10 more chances to match and surpass that mark.

Insert #DanEllisProblems joke here.

Hockey Wilderness 3 stars:

1. Jose Theodore (46 saves! He did everything humanly possible to prevent the Ducks from getting a point.

2. Clayton Stoner (Amazing on defense, great slapper for his 2nd NHL goal.)

Honorable mentions:

Bobby Ryan for reaching 100 goals... Did it have to be against the Wild though?

5 Questions:

1. Is it possible to shut down the Ducks top line without Koivu or Brodziak? Sort of.. Ryan and Getzlaf each had a point, Perry did not.. let's just say they did better than most times.

2. Does anyone care to step up tonight? Theo. BIG TIME

3. Can Theo steal one in Disney Land? See question 2.

4. How do the Wild look on the end of this back to back? While the two points suggest they looked good enough, make no mistake, the Ducks probably should've won. The Wild needed a combination of Theo being damn near invincible and Dan Ellis' 5-hole problems.