Minnesota Wild vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Game Recap

A question to start us off: If a hockey game takes place in Saint Paul, but neither team televises it, does it still count? Let's hope so.

However, the Wild are one of the hottest teams in hockey right now, with a 7-2-1 record in the previous ten coming into this game. These are not the Wild of October, and there should be no belief that just because they give up the first goal means they are going to give up the fight.

Bottom line is, the Wild win, and in regulation. No charity point for a Blue Jackets team that is mired in a true rut. The better news? With those two points, the Wild jump Edmonton in the standings to climb out of the Northwest division cellar for what I believe is the first time all season. And even better than that, the Wild have moved into 11th in the conference.

It truly is a strange world we live in.

Check out the other side's take at: The Canon

Questions to Answer

Marty Havlat is hot. Trend or Mirage? Well, Havlat had an assist again tonight and was +1 in 16:03 TOI. Not necessarily scorching, but the point streak rolls on.
No TV? Seriously? Whose fault is it? I would blame the NHL. What kind of sports league does not allow the local game to be broadcast locally? Only the NHL.
Can the power play improve upon its many deficiencies? Obviously, we didn't get to see them play, but both goals came during five on five play.
Columbus' goaltending has been suspect all season. Will that continue tonight? Giving up two goals on 23 shots is not really all that bad. Mason has struggled this season, but it looks like he kept his team in the game, so he did his job.
How good would Rick Nash look in Iron Range Red? He would look excellent. Maybe they want Sheppard in return.