The
Minnesota sports world that I love has hit a bump in the road as the Minnesota
Wild are in a slump.
Thursday the
Wild got shutout by the Los Angeles Kings 3-0. This is the 4th loss
in the past 5 games and to make matters worse it is the first shutout of the
season. It is the 5th game in a row the Wild gave up the first goal
of the game.
The team had
been 7-1 and now just can’t find the answer. The last two teams the Wild have
played both had a day off between games and the Wild were not so fortunate. Is
it tired leg syndrome hitting the team I love and have high hopes?
The team has
not had a full practice in two weeks. I am in hopes since the team does not
play until Sunday that rest and a practice can be accomplished. This team is
too talented not to overcome this dip in their season.
In the
pregame preview on TV Tom Chorske had said he was surprised when Backstrom got
the call in a back to back road game.
You don’t
see very often if at all a goalie with a 0 percent stopping of a shot. It is
the second night in a row the Wilds opponent scored within the first 2 minutes
of the game. Two goals in less than 3 and a half minutes and Backstrom takes a
seat on the bench.
The San Jose
game was disappointing so when it was time for the Kings game I really had a
good feel for the team. A trade that brings Jason Pominville and the recall of
Mikael Granlund I thought would bring some spark.
Disaster as
the Los Angeles Kings looked so much quicker in the first period seemingly to
do what they want when they wanted to.
I thought
backup goalie Darcy Kuemper played well in relief giving up 1 goal in 12 shots.
I believe in Backstrom, I just hope this 2 days off can give him the needed
rest. The benching I would hope give him the edge to come out Sunday night
assuming he is in nets and get the Wild back in the W column.
I did like
the looks of the new first line with Koivu, Parise and Pominville. I can see
this could be a line of excitement. This 2 days off will be key in more ways
than one. The 2 day rest, along with a practice in hopes of getting these 3
some time to work together could go a long way to how the season ends.
11 games
left and 6 of those are at home. This is going to be exciting down the stretch.
No time to panic rather I am counting on a strong finish and into the playoffs
the Wild go.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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