The Minnesota Wild are more than likely going to wind up on the outside looking in of the playoffs this season, after a blistering start, but they're not mathematically eliminated as of yet and can play a little spoiler by finishing the season strong.
On Thursday night, they welcomed their captain Mikko Koivu back to the lineup in a 3-2 shootout win against the Calgary Flames, who are currently still fighting feverishly for a playoff spot. Down 2-1 in the latter half of the third period, Darroll Powe knotted things up, which ultimately forced overtime. After a scoreless extra five minutes, the teams went to shootout wherein Devin Setoguchi scored the lone goal.
Koivu played 22:03 and had five shots in his return. He was also called for a hooking penalty in the first period.
Minnesota is 12 points out of the playoffs with nine games remaining. They play at Buffalo on Saturday.
It's too late for a playoff push, but Mikko Koivu's expected return to the lineup adds some intrigue to Thursday's game against a Calgary team that needs a win in a bad way.
