Minnesota Wild vs. Phoenix Coyotes: Game Recap

For the Desert Dog perspective, strap an ACME Rocket to your back and shoot on over to Five for Howling.

SWEET RELEASE!!!!!! After so much promise to start the season, the Wild proceeded to spiral out of control down the Western Conference standings. With the closure of the 2011-2012 regular season, the Wild have become the first team in a long while to lead the NHL in December to miss the playoffs entirely. So there's always that to hang your hat on...

The 1st was all Phoenix, and I do mean ALL Phoenix. The Wild mustered a whopping 4 shots on net in the 1st period, while the Coyotes cashed in for two goals on 11 shots. The Wild have gotten into a late habit of falling behind and somehow working their way back into games late, so for those of you looking for more wins, do not despair. This is just the recent recipe the Wild have followed for success.

Just like clockwork, the 2nd period started and the fans were treated to a totally different Wild team. The guys in green had the jump, were making the little plays, and using some hard work (Sorry Tom) to inch their way back into game #82. The 4th line for the Wild had a great shift, wearing down the Coyotes, and that work paved the way for a Heatley goal, putting him at 24. The Wild had the momentum and the latest goal, and the spirits rose for everyone watching. It was short lived, though, as the Coyotes needed a whole 31 seconds to get their 2-goal lead back.

Five Questions: