What did the Wild learn from Friday's loss to the Panthers?
It was the second straight game where the Wild scor3d first and lost the game. That had only happened once prior to that this season.
Cam Talbot was shaky in the Wild net despite the clear statement from Dean Evason, he is the starting goalie for the Wild. That was pretty clear when he got the start over Kaapo Kahkonen who had been alternating starts with Talbot. It was also more obvious considering Talbot had a sub par outing against the Jets in Winnipeg.
The Wild sloppy play of late has caught up to them a bit as well, with their undisciplined attention to detail.
Did Dean Evason pull his goalie in favor of the extra attacker far too early Friday night? That is an easy argument to make, but Evason has seen his team respond so well in the past that one can understand his mindset in making that decision. That said the most recent two games Evason has pulled his goalie the results have not been favorable. So given that fact combined with the depth and competence of the opponent (Florida), it may have been more prudent to hold off on that decision.
They also ran into the best team top to bottom in the NHL, in the Florida Panthers. I know Colorado has something to say about that, but the Avalanche goaltending tilts this argument in Florida's favor.
It is easy to rain on the Wild after two straight defeats, and yes they have areas to address, but they are still a top team despite the recent losses.
Kaapo Kahkonen will be in goal tonight as the Wild take on the Oilers in Edmonton. Calen Addison has been recalled and will dress in place of the struggling Jordie Benn. Nick Bjugstad has been activated from the injured list and will center the fourth line in place of Nico Sturm.
Victor Rask has cleared waivers and officially been assigned to Iowa. Rask has been given some time to get things together before he must report to Iowa, but all indications are that he will do so.
Alex Goligoski has also struggled and Father Time may be catching up with the 36 year old Grand Rapids native as well. Goligoski is a minus four over the last three games and has not recorded a point in eight straight. As we know Goligoski is on a one year $5M contract, with a hint there may be a handshake deal for less money in an extension. Bill Guerin will be wise to hold off on any of those discussions regardless of how Goligoski performs the rest of the way.
Some very sad news to report on former Wild winger Ryan White, who's three year old son has been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. Just devastating news for Ryan and his wife Sarah, thoughts and prayers to the entire White family.
It's always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!