The Wild's pulse continues to beat far more health than earlier in the year as their passionate play is turning into a nice run of a 4-0-1 record in its past five games and 8-3-3 in its past 14. Thoughts and links below.
- Guillaume Latendresse showed Wild fans a great glimmer of the player that they hope they got in the recent trade. He assisted on the game-winning goal and scored a beautiful patient one in the first period. Both very impressive offensive plays that landed on the score sheet, but he did a lot that doesn't show up on the score sheet as well. He was constantly in passing lanes turning the Predators over and very well could have had a four or five point night.
- Andrew Ebbett scored the game-winning goal. Ebbett played four years of college hockey for Michigan and hasn't played a full season in the NHL in his young professional career. He adds a nice element of speed that the Wild seriously lack up front and will be a nice additoin simply because he has had to earn every minute of playing time in the league and is playing for a job.
- Mikko Koivu had enough nice moves offensively that it made me believe that he could be considered a top end forward. He's a great player and great captain, but I often wonder just how elite he is compared to other top end centers in the league. Tonight he proved that he can be that guy and really make opposing defensemen look silly.
- Andrew Brunette had two assits and has 12 now on the season. He gets a ton of credit for being a guy who can finish around the net, but lately he's been showing just how gifted of a passer he is as well. His assist on Koivu's goal and Antti Miettinen's were brilliant.
- Let me just say that I know the Wild coaches and players are probably not happy with some of the sloppy play from tonight's game or the defensive breakdowns, but this was an entertaining hockey game. They played hard and the passing has really picked up. The Wild scored five good goals tonight with nice passing plays which usually started with good hustle. It will be a nice test if they can keep this up during the weekend. Hockey fans can watch the Wild Friday and Saturday night on TV and watch the taped delay of the Gophers following. Earlier in the year I would say that you better load up on 5 Hour Energy to sustain the attention required to stay awake, but if the Wild can play this way it could be a fun weekend.
- I was bummed to see James Sheppard scratched because I think he was really playing well at the wing position. I would much rather have him in the lineup than Derek Boogaard. Sure Boogaard gave the fans a fight, but I'd rather give ice time to a guy that has worked hard and could play a pivitol part in this team's future. If I want to see a fight I'll go hang out in the parking lot of bars at closing time.
Watch Game Highlights HERE
Michael Russo-Star Tribune Blog Read Here
Michael Russo-Star Tribune Game Story Read Here
Bruce Brothers-Pionner Press Game Story Read Here
Wild.com Game Story Read Here
Wild.com Game Notes Read Here
Glen Andresen-Wild.com 5 Takeaways Read Here
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