Wild Game Day number 82 Wild Record (38-32-11 87 pts) Home Record (21-15-4)
Opponent: Calgary. Flames (34-40-7 75 pts) Road Record (13-24-3)
Site: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
Time: 6:00PM CT
TV: Fox Sports North (FSN)
Last Season Results: 1/29 Wild 1 @ Flames 0 2/18 Wild 3 @ Flames 2 (OT) 3/27 Flames 2 @ Wild 4
Last results: Wednesday 2/17 Wild 5 @ Flames 3 Thursday, 3/24 Flames 2 @ Wild 6
Game 82 for the Wild tonight brings the Flames to town. The Wild have taken the first two match-ups with Calgary outscoring the Flames 11-5. Minnesota has won the past six games versus Calgary and are 11-2-1 in the last fourteen match-ups with their former division rival.
The game means nothing in the standings for either team, but for Minnesota it is important for them to get things going in the right direction as they head into the playoffs. The Wild have dropped four straight, scoring just five goals while allowing fourteen over that stretch. Minnesota's losing streak was preceded by their longest winning streak of the season which included a 6-2 win over the Flames two weeks ago.
Tonight is for sure a playoff tune-up for the Wild and a chance to develop some confidence in their game before the playoffs begin next week. A win is not imperative but no team wants to head into the playoffs losing their final five games of the season.
Niklas Backstrom will be making the start in goal for Calgary which most likely will be his final NHL game. Calgary has recalled three players from their AHL affiliate the Stockton Heat, defenseman Oliver Kylington and Patrick Sieloff, along with forward Turner Elson. All could make their Flames debuts this evening.
Thomas Vanek is out tonight and is not expected to be ready for the first game of the playoffs as well. John Torchetti says that he is going to play most of his regulars and treat the game as a normal regular season contest. Torchetti said that he wanted to play most of his regulars stating "Probably the most successful team in the NFL is the Patriots, they play everybody in the last game of the year." He did say that he will rest those that are dealing with minor bumps and bruises to give them a chance to heal prior to next week's start to the playoffs.
Calgary comes into tonight's finale having scored 16 goals in their last three games (2-0-1). They are a very loose bunch and will be playing hard from the opening faceoff. Don't expect them to just roll over for the Wild. Minnesota needs to get their game back and tonight will be good test. Calgary plays a very fast style of game with very a active defense corps.
The Wild are in the playoffs that is certain, no one can take that away from them. But they have a lot of work to do if they want to make some noise this Spring. A win may not be imperative to the Wild but it could go a long way in helping them to gain some confidence in their game.
Let's Play Hockey!