| Record | Pts | Div. Rank | G/G | GA/G | PP% | PK% | |
| Minnesota Wild | (15-13-4) | 34 | 3rd NW | 2.47 (25) | 2.75 (14) | 23.3%(4) |
81.6% (15) |
| Colorado Avalanche |
(19-11-4) | 31 | 2nd NW | 3.50 (1) | 3.24 (28) | 23.3% (5) | 78.0% (28) |
| Minnesota Wild | |||
| Top 5 Scorers: | G | A | Pts |
| 1. #24 Martin Havlat | 8 | 22 | 30 |
| 2. #9 Mikko Koivu | 7 | 21 | 28 |
| 3. #8 Brent Burns | 9 | 11 | 20 |
| 4. #7 Matt Cullen | 6 | 13 | 19 |
| 5. #3 Marek Zidlicky | 4 | 13 | 17 |
| Top 3 Penalty Minutes: | PIM | ||
| 1. #16 Brad Staubitz | 45 | ||
| 2. #8 Brent Burns | 41 | ||
| 3. #9 Mikko Koivu | 26 | ||
| Goaltenders: | GAA | SV% | |
| 1. #32 Niklas Backstrom 11-8-3) | 2.59 | .919 | |
| 2. #60 Jose Theodore (4-5-1) | 2.71 | .915 | |
Colorado Avalanche |
|||
| Top 5 Scorers: | G | A | Pts |
| 1. #9 Matt Duchene | 13 | 21 | 34 |
| 2. #26 Paul Stastny | 13 | 19 | 32 |
| 3. #23 Milan Hejduk | 11 | 20 | 31 |
| 4. #4 John-Michael Liles | 5 | 23 | 28 |
| 5. #25 Chris Stewart | 11 | 14 | 25 |
| Top 3 Penalty Minutes: | PIM | ||
| 1. #55 Cody McLeod | 99 | ||
| 2. #25 Chris Stewart | 36 | ||
| 3. #18 Brandon Yip | 29 | ||
| Goaltenders: | GAA | SV% | |
| 1. #41 Craig Anderson (10-5-2) | 3.11 | .903 | |
| 2. #31 Peter Budaj (4-6-2) | 3.11 | .895 | |
Merry Christmas!
With the Christmas holiday now upon us, I decided to go for a (possibly trite) holiday themed game preview. In the past I’ve gone with a letter to Santa, this year we’re going to go with one of the classic holiday songs that we should all know. So here we go.
On the first day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me nothing more than a one game at a time mentality. While shooting for being the top of the Northwest Division is leap of almost epic proportions, if they could simply work on winning just one game at a time, there is just a possibility that the Wild could push their way into the playoff picture. The standings are close for the teams that are ahead of them, and it will take everything they have to make the post-season, but it is not impossible. While there are aspects of the game that make me believe that they don’t deserve to make the most-season, the franchise needs a playoff appearance, and sooner rather than later.
On the second day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me fewer 2 minute minor penalties. In recent games, the Wild have had some issues taking too many penalties, many of them just stupid ones, and usually ill-timed. There are “good” penalties out there, but we have seen very few of those.
On the third day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me, three strong periods every game. We all have seen the Wild play well in the first period of a game, but then fall apart in the second. Things seem to have improved in the recent home and home games against Calgary, but until I see a consistent pattern, I will keep wishing for this particular gift.
On the fourth day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me four lines, who work hard and communicate. We’ve seen what happens when they don’t talk to each other and lack chemistry. Hopefully we’ve finally jumped that hurdle.
On the fifth day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me a healthy #55, Nick Schultz. At this time it appears that he will be out of tonight’s line up in Denver with a possible concussion. While the injured defenseman has never been a favorite player of mine, you hate to lose a player with experience. However, injuries on the blue line have given opportunities for rookie call ups like Marco Scandella and Jaren Spurgeon. Thankfully, they have taken advantage of their time in St. Paul. While they’ll most likely find themselves back in Houston once everyone is healed up, they are clearly making an impression on Wild management.
On the sixth day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me (hopefully) considerably more than six shots on goal in a period. Need I really say more?
On the seventh day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me more goals, whether even strength or power play by Wild #7, Matt Cullen. Of course, I’m sure he’d like to score more in general, and perhaps more than just 2 even strength goals. Yet with the Wild’s power play once again improving, perhaps he’ll find himself back in the goal column very soon.
On the eighth day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me more goals by the defenseman wearing #8, Brent Burns. Everyone has to admit, that his return this season has been a welcome addition in a sometimes bleak first half of the season.
On the ninth day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me a captain who continues to put his mark on the game. In the recent memory of fans, #9 Mikko Koivu has been almost invisible. However, after a recent one-on-one meeting that Koivu had head coach Todd Richards seems to have made a difference.
On the tenth day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me a better record in the last ten games played. In the last ten games, the Wild are 4-4-2. While that’s not terribly by any means, it could definitely be better. And if the Wild would like to improve in the standings in general, they need to improve their record, one game at a time.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me a John Madden with improved defensive play. Unfortunately for the Wild forward, he has the team’s worst +/- stat with a negative -12. Not only does it appear that he’s struggling with the defensive part of his game, improved offensive numbers would help as well. The Wild definitely need more than the 8 points than he’s tallied.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the Wild gave to me the thought that even if things don’t improve, there’s always next year. It’s the one truth in all professional sports, and it’s the one thing that keeps fans going. Don’t believe me, just ask Toronto Maple Leafs fans.
Copyright © 2010 www.StateofHockeyNews.com – All Rights Reserved – Trademarks used herein are property of their respective owners.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
