Game recap from Hockey Wilderness. Be sure to check out the full game recap including the three stars of the game and the answers to the five questions of the night.
The Minnesota Wild have, for over a month, had nothing to play for but pride. Up until this point, they have shown absolutely no interest in doing so. Several times, the Wild had at least a chance to show that they believe the words they have been telling us, and chose, yes chose, to do nothing. “We are playing for the guy next to us,” is what we have heard. After the past couple of games, I am glad I am not the guy next to them. With friends like these, who needs enemies, eh?
Kevin Bieksa runs Niklas Backstrom. Three Wild players skate away, including (according to Russo) six foot four defenseman Justin Falk. Jannik Hannsen throws a dirty punch to the back of the head of Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and the best they can muster is Colton Gillies and Kyle Brodziak throwing a couple of slaps at him. Justin Falk? Nothing.
The Wild’s “tough guy” Brad Staubitz would muster nothing until Backstrom was yanked in favor of tomorrow’s starter Jose Theodore, and one of the Canucks must have said something mean to Theo. Staubitz finally decided he was ready, but it was far too late.
Then, after having a hat trick put up on you, another guy get two, Brad Staubitz decides to cross check Keith Ballard from behind with 4:11 left in the third. He earned himself a two and ten for that. Too little, too late, and dirty at that, Brad. Sorry. Not even close to good enough.
The Canucks played a good game against the Houston Aeros tonight. As much as I want to give the Nucks credit, the best I can do is say they didn’t play down to their opponent. They should have won this one easy, and they did. They are a damn good team, and they look like they finished first for a reason.
I miss John Scott.