With the surprise move of Chad Johnson being in net for the Isles due to a minor injury to Jaro Halak, the Isles were already poised for a difficult night.
But it didn’t start out that way. For the first twenty minutes they dominated the Wild and put up three goals passed Backstrom. Michael Grabner scored his second of the season with Reinhart earning his first NHL point with an assist. Brock Nelson scored at 17:15 of the first followed by Matt Martin at 17:47.
While proving he can be a goal scorer, Martin also proved to be a wanted man after a clean hit sent Ballard to the hospital. To his credit, Martin was genuinely concerned as Ballard lay on the ice being tended to by the staff. But that hit gave the Wild the impetus they needed to come out in the second period and just dominate the game.
The Isles had 11 shots on net in the first period. They managed only one to the Wild’s 12 in the second. With Kyle Okposo in the box, Jason Pominville put the Wild on the score sheet. As the period was ending Josh Bailey scored returning the spread to three goals.
It was too late. The Wild had already tasted blood and were determined to win for Ballard. The Wild put up 15 shots and scored four goals before the third period would end handing the Isles their second loss in two games. A mini-streak perhaps? But one where they lost again after having a three goal lead.
Jay Gage …@jay5026 6m6 minutes ago What's the deal? #Isles good enough to go up 3-0 after 1 in 2 straight games, but can't close it. Bad O, bad D, or what?
Rob Gatt …@r_gatt 6m6 minutes ago I can't believe that happened. Blow 3 goal leads 2 games in a row? I thought this year was different. I guess not. Fire Capuano now. #Isles
Dan Saraceni …@cultureoflosing 15m15 minutes ago The worst thing is, I thought Johnson played better than he has in weeks, especially in the second period.
Sean Marshall …@_legohead_ 9m9 minutes ago The disturbing thing about the last two games is we got a goal to make it 4-3 against Blues and 4-1 v Wild and still collapsed in the third
Jiggs McDonald is usually the Isles lucky charm. Tonight, not even he had enough magic to conjure a win for the Isles. Too many missing pieces of what had been a perfect puzzle.