You didn't really think the Blackhawk were going to go away, did you?
Well here we are 20 games to play for the Wild, 18 for the Hawks with the Wild up by just a single point following Xhicago's 2-1 shootout victory over the Islanders last night.
The trade deadline past, the home stretch is in full swing as the games take on greater significance.
Just take a look at the scores the past week. A lot of 3-2, 2-1, and one goal games galore. That shows just how critical the outcomes of almost every game has become.
The Wild have little margin for error, which is just the way we want it. The team has pulled together as a collective unit all season and coach Boudreau has been tinkering with the lineup combinations all season to keep his team both on their toes and prepared should injuries and illness arise as they have most recently with Zach Parise and Jason Pominville missing the last three games due to the mumps.
The Pacific leading Sharks come to St. Paul tomorrow so the path gets no easier for Minnesota, but again to be the best, first you have to beat the best. The Wild have been one of the best teams all season long and now they hit the final quarter leading the conference.
A statement very few expected to be making heading into the season, but here they are. Right where they want to be. It will be a fun final 20 games over a grueling 34 days.
Do the Wild have what it takes to hold off the pack and win the West? Time will tell, and we will know in very short order, but my gut feeling is YES!