The Des Moines Report: Point Streak Reaches 7 games

Previously on, “The Des Moines Report”. The Wild would capture 4 out of a total 6 points during their 3 games in 6 day stretch. A win, and two overtime losses. This edition features 3 games in 4 nights. A back-to-back in Winnipeg against Manitoba followed up by a quick stop at home against Grand Rapids.

Game 17: @ Manitoba
For the first time this season, a new face would be in net for the Wild. Recently called up, and former Ferris State Bulldog (45 minutes from my hometown) C.J. Motte. With Kaapo Kahkonen getting called up, Motte would get the start. The front end of the back-to-back would need extra time getting there. Leading 3-2 after 40 minutes of play, the Wild were unable to keep the lead, although out shooting the Moose 15-6 in the final frame. In overtime, it would be Manitoba scoring just 29 seconds into extra time giving themselves the victory 4-3 over Iowa. Mitch McLain, Luke Kunin, and Gerry Fitzgerald were the goal scorers for Iowa while Motte stopped 29 out of the 33 shots he faced. Rough night for the power-play as they go 0-4, however the penalty kill did do its just the lone time they were faced with killing off a penalty.

Game 18: @ Manitoba
Back end of a back-to-back. 7pm puck drop the night before followed by a Saturday matinee as puck drop was set for 2pm. Think that’s rough. Look at the week Kahkonen had.

Jet legged? Nope, not an issue for Kahkonen as he would stop 34 of the 36 shots the Moose threw at him Saturday afternoon. However, an early lead gave Kahkonen some breathing room. Midway through the first period, the Wild would strike twice in a span of four minutes. First off the stick of Matt Read, and then Dmitry Sokolov. Manitoba would get the only tally in the middle frame and for the second night in a row, the Wild would start the third period with the lead. This time around, the Wild were able to hold onto that lead. Thanks to a goal five minutes into the third by Colton Beck, and surviving a late surge from Manitoba, the Wild were able to come away with the victory 3-2. The Wild were out shot 36-28 and were once again held scoreless on the power-play. But, for the second game in a row, the penalty kill was perfect.

Game 19: vs Grand Rapids
The Wild would use their off day Sunday to travel back home and prepare for a rare Monday night tilt against the Griffins looking to keep their consecutive games with a point streak going. They would do that, extending it now to seven games, however wouldn’t get the extra point. A Gerald Mayhew goal in the first was the lone goal in the first 20 minutes of play. However, Grand Rapids would rally with two in the 2nd including a goal with only two seconds left. Cal O’Reilly would tie things up six minutes into the period, and turned out to be the only goal of the final frame. So, once again, the Wild would head to overtime. And just past the midway point, Filip Hronek would pot the game winner giving the Griffins the 3-2 victory. Kahkonen would turn away 34 of the 37 shots he faced, but once again the power-play would put up a goose egg. Bailing out the PP once again was the PK going 4-5.

Looking ahead:
The Wild head to Colorado for a back-to-back with the Eagles with puck drop at 8:05pm before heading home for a ‘Winning Wednesday’ against the Chicago Wolves getting started at 7:00pm.

Central Division Standings:

Stat Leaders: