The Wild's inconsistent season took yet another step on Sunday, as Minnesota was shut out 3-0 by the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center. Minnesota came out strong and outshot the Capitals 12 to 7 in the opening period, but were unable to beat reserve Washington goalie Braden Holtby, who finished with 28 saves.
The Wild controlled the face off battle (won 30 of 52 draws) with relative ease, but only drew a pair of power plays all game long and couldn't find scoring lanes without a man advantage.
Alex Ovechkin added a goal and an assist for the 38-30-8 Capitals, raising his season tally to 61 points in the process. For the Wild, this loss not only equates to an ill-timed two-game losing streak, but serves as a strong indicator that a spot in the postseason might have just evaporated into thin air.
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