Game #32: Minnesota Wild vs Calgary Flames, Monday December 20, 2010 at 7:00pm CST, Xcel Energy Center [GAME PREVIEW]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

That’s the thought that will (or should) be running through the coaching staff and the Wild bench heading into Monday’s game at home against the Calgary Flames.  Thinking back to Saturday night’s game in Calgary, for once it just felt like things were going right for once.  Considering how much of December has played out for the Wild and their fans, it was refreshing.  We saw a hard-working, no-frills kind of game.  Players seemed to be communicating with each other.  And most importantly, it seemed like for the first time in a long time, both players and coaches seemed to be having fun.

The first question that the Wild will need to address is that of goaltending.  Niklas Backstrom had the sort of game one would expect of a $6 million a season player.  If he gets the support in front of him like he did on Saturday, he should be fine.  However, if he has another game like he did against Anaheim, it might not be a bad idea to give Jose Theodore a start at home.  Truth be told, neither have been truly bad this season.  For the most part their games are greatly dependent on what happens in front of them.  I just hope to see a repeat of Saturday on multiple levels.

The other question is whether or not to keep the line of Mikko Koivu, Andrew Brunette, and Chuck Kobasew together.  The addition of Kobasew added not only some additional grit to the line, but some additional (and much needed) speed.  Not only did we see an increase in offense (and offensive chances), but they were able to skate effectively against the always dangerous line of Calgary’s that features Jarome Iginla.  It seems that Koivu did just as wild head coach Todd Richards asked for in a meeting with the captain, that being step things up.  If Koivu can keep that play consistent, it just might be a sign of positive things to come for the team.

Of course, there will be some minor changes in the roster.  Truth be told, they really shouldn’t make a difference, but you never know.  First off, Wild defenseman Cam Barker should be back in the lineup.  He was out for personal reasons.  For the most part, the loss or addition of Barker never really makes that much of a difference.  One can only hope that all is well in his family, as that is often the reason for a one or two game absence when there isn’t an injury involved.  The other change will be in that Nick Schultz will be out with an upper body injury.  Taking his place will be Marco Scandella was just recalled.  In his previous call up he didn’t play too terribly, and it’s nice to see him getting another chance.  One can only hope that call ups such as these will only help the Wild’s prospect improve.  Considering the Wild’s history of draft picks, it would be nice to have one actually succeed.

It would be nice to see the Wild start out with what appeared to work Saturday night.  However, if it doesn’t seem to be working, I can only hope they don’t try to force it, like trying to stick a square peg in a round hole. 

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