There have been many losses explained away with an excuse or two this season for the Wild. Some more legit than others, perhaps. Last night, the Wild Played Well Enough To Win, but got beat by a red hot goalie. Plain and simple.
Mathieu Garon was outstanding in both quantity and quality of saves (the Wild pumped an uncharacteristically high 40 shots on him) but also at limiting rebounds and controlling the play.
You could say that the Wild did not generate a ton of traffic in front (Mark Parrish notwithstanding) and you'd be right.
You could say the Wild's PP unit continued to struggle until a late non-issue goal from Rolston - and you'd be right.
But those excuses were all trumped by the solid play of Garon.
Sometimes, you just don't win.
JL's decision to replace Backstrom for the third period was curious and ineffective. Nik was the victim of bad luck on the first goal, and was utterly screened on the second goal. I understand that, when you only see 11 shots through forty minutes, allowing two of them to get past you is a little disconcerting. But I don't think Backstrom was the reason the Wild were trailing.
Season series
Overall: Wild lead 4-1-1 (GF 22, GA 17)
In Minny: Wild lead 3-0-0 (GF 12, GA 6)
In Edmonton: tied 1-1-1 (GF 10, GA 11)
CHICKEN LITTLE SAYS: Hot goalie, shmot goalie, you have to bury some chances!
POLLYANNA SAYS: At least the PP finally got one!
BOTTOM LINE: Bummer...but get over it and move on.
STUD: I have noticed Foster more and more, and mostly in a positive way over the last couple weeks. He had a helper on Demo's goal last night.
DUD: Belanger is in some kind of slump. He can't finish to save his life, and he's looking more and more rudderless out there. I did like that he had his hackles up more last night, so hopefully that will bring the rest of it in line...
Up next: The Wild get a Canucks lineup that it is believed will include a recently-healed Willie Mitchell tomorrow.
Scoreboard watching
through 2/12/08
Northwest division
*The Flames pulled out an OT win and are in second place, two points back of the Wild, same # GP (57).
*The Fowl beat the Avs who fell to 3rd in the NW on the Flames win.
*Vancouver was idle
Western conference
*The Wild (68 pts) fell further behind the Fowl (71) and Sharks (70) in the points race.
NiNY
3 comments:
Thanks for asking. I have most of the planning done since we have been engaged for a little over a year now. We have about 300 people on the guest list (that is with no invitations sent out so I don't know how many are actually coming). So it is a large wedding but a very relaxed, laid back, more casual affair. The most dressed up people with be those of us in the wedding party. We are having the wedding and reception in a local park (completely enclosed park shelter in case of rain). The future Mr. has his heart set on a hog roast so that is what we are doing. One of his coworker's husband owns his own DJ business so we are having him DJ the dance at a local American legion. I have centerpieces (baby pics), flowers, and almost everything else done. I picked up my dress Sunday and we have bridesmaid dresses ordered. Things are coming along nicely. A friend is doing the photography. My brother got ordained online so he is performing the ceremony which means most of the fluff can get cut out (I am guessing the ceremony will be about 15 min). Just aiming for a family/friends get together where we happen to be getting married. The colors are black, white, silver, and teal. My dress is white and black, the bridesmaids are black and white, with silver and teal accenting. My engagement ring has a blue diamond center stone which is why we picked teal. Probably more info than you asked for but if you want a little more, let me know.
According to Mike and Dan, Penner was like an eclipse when screening Nik...they have a way with words, don't they? haha
I'm excited to see Willie on thursday since he's basically my favorite player in the world...of course this is as long as he doesn't help the Canucks win ;)
elise: don't be surprised if Willie's a bit rusty after his 10-game layoff.
I wish him no harm, but I agree I'd prefer it if he doesn't help the Wild lose.
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