Minnesota Wild vs. Vancouver Canucks: Game Recap

For the Vancouver perspective, please visit Nucks Misconduct

However, that second period letdown was not going to happen tonight. The Wild came out on fire, applied pressure and kept the shooting gallery open. Sure, the Canucks were able to get a decent number of shots on goal in the second and third period, but it didn't matter. Khudobin kept the rebounds to the corners, the defense collapsed and forced the Canucks to the outside.

The Wild did everything they needed to do tonight to win. Frankly, it was one of the more complete games they've played this season. Passes were crisp, they moved the puck well, collapsed on defense, drove to the net with and without the puck, took shots from high percentage areas and kept the Canucks from getting too comfortable in the zone, and disrupted their passing lanes all night.

Here's hoping it continues, and Khudobin can build on the confidence he clearly developed as the night went on.

Bryan's Take:

Apparently I really enjoy the taste of crow. I would say I am going to stop doubting what they can do, but it seems to work for them. For the next game, I have strong doubts that Koivu can score six goals in one game.

Amazing play from the home town club tonight. Hard work (Sorry Tom), excellent defensive play, and they capitalized when they had the chances. Matt Cullen with a shorty? That is pure ownership of a team. Absolutely sick how bad the Canucks are against the Wild. How the rest of the NHL hasn't put it together yet is beyond me. Maybe the Wild can sneak into the playoffs as the 8 seed, the Nucks get the one, and the Wild can end their playoff run quickly. It's a dream I not yet dare to dream.

The Wild did exactly what I said they needed to do to win this game. Limited the chances against, kept the shots out side for the most part. Anton Khudobin was stellar, making me look stupid yet again. He was everywhere he needed to be, and then some. The crazy little bumblebee did his job, with and without his stick. Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. The only answer for question five below is that the only one embarrassed here would be me.

Great game. Can the Wild play the Canucks 82 games a year?

Notes from Wild PR:

Hockey Wilderness Three Stars

Five Questions