A Flame was put out in Calgary

The Wild start a road trip with a must have win game in Calgary. The Wild and Detroit Red Wings are tied at 47 points coming into Monday. The Wild are in need of a big win while Calgary is trying to play spoilers as they are not in contention for the playoffs. Whose night is it going to be?

Today April 15^th is the 20^th anniversary of the last Minnesota North Stars game as they played in Detroit and lost. Let’s hope tonight the new Minnesota team can get the job done.

My cable did not show the game so I got my radio and listened to it. The goal early by Minnesota was huge and even bigger was the man who scored it. Mikko Koivu got his first goal of the month and first point. Captain took charge and boy was it needed.

Jason Pominville a former captain himself of Buffalo added two goals. The Wild scored 4 goals in this game and 3 were by a captain. This is great leadership exhibited by guys who need to take charge. Jason’s first goal meant he has now scored a goal against every team in the NHL. Way to go Jason!!!

That goal made it 2-0 then Calgary scores making me nervous. We do not need this scrappy team to get any hope. It was so funny on the radio because the Calgary arena announcer was announcing the Flames goal when I hear the Wild announcer say, “The Wild score” as Pierre-Marc Bouchard scored 11 seconds after Calgary score. It was a weird but good circumstance.

Matt Cullen return tonight really paid big dividends as he too got in the scoring column with an assists on Pominville’s second goal. He has been sorely missed and to think it is only his first game back.

A Minnesota team who needed a win got one. It is a huge relief to break the streak of 3 losses although one was in a shootout. Three games at home with 2 goals total and then tonight 4. Welcome back Minnesota scoring you have been missed. I can hardly wait for Tuesday’s game in Edmonton. Is the confidence back?

Minnesota is now 6^th in the west with 49 points and the 5^th place; San Jose Sharks have 51.

Thanks you Wild for not disappointing

Thanks for reading

Purplestick