The Minnesota Wild did hit a brief point in February in which they won a few games and looked like they might get back on track in time for the NHL Playoffs, but now they've fallen into a rut, yet again. Through the month of March, they've gone 1-6-1, including their most recent loss, a 5-3 affair against the Carolina Hurricanes that just came to an end Saturday afternoon.
Minnesota allowed the first goal, a Drayson Bowman backhand to get things started just a minute into the game, but quickly evened it up with a Kyle Broadziak shot seven minutes in. They followed that up with two-straight goals near the middle of the second period, with Nick Johnson lighting the lamp and Erik Chistensen scoring on the power play to give Minnesota a commanding 3-1 lead.
But Bowman wasn't having any of that, and scored his second goal of the game with less than three minutes left in the second period. Leading by one to start the third, Minnesota wilted under the pressure, allowing Brandon Sutter to tie it up and Tim Brent to give Carolina the lead. With about a minute to go, Minnesota went empty net, and Chad LaRose added the insurance goal to get the win.
Minnesota was out-hustled from the beginning, competing only in the second period and only managing to win on things like hits and faceoffs. They were hesitant with the puck, with Carolina out-shooting them 34-26. The Wild will try and get back in the win column on Monday when they host the Vancouver Canucks.
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