The Minnesota Wild have just completed three games in four nights, all out west, all against Pacific Division opponents. The result? Not the greatest, but not as bad as it had been. Signs of progress? While it would be unwise to get your hopes up too far after a couple wins, it was really nice to see them actually win a game or two. They almost looked like a real hockey team a couple of times, too.
This week is relatively light, with just two games on the slate. The first game is against the Ottawa Senators, a team this Wild squad should be able to defeat handily. This, of course, by the law of Minnesota sports will likely result in a thumping at the hands of a weaker opponent. The Senators will bring Danny Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Sergei Gonchar, and former Wild Filip Kuba to town.
None of that should be threatening, but the Wild have a way of making people look much better than they are.
After the Senators, the Wild head north of the border, and west again, to Calgary. The Wild's luck against the Flames has changed since Todd Richards took over, but nothing is guaranteed in the Saddledome. This is a team fighting for worst in the West, and the Wild need to be able to beat them. With Jarome Iginla, the Flames can beat you and still have a completely off night. The Wild will need to contain him, and they should have a good shot at a victory.
This should be a 2-0-0 week for the boys in red. That is, if they decide to actually show up.