SB Nation Minnesota - Wild Vs. Capitals: Reeling Minnesota Shut Out By Washington 3-0https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48959/mn-fave.png2012-03-25T18:38:08-05:00http://minnesota.sbnation.com/rss/stream/26661082012-03-25T18:38:08-05:002012-03-25T18:38:08-05:00Wild Vs. Capitals Final: Minnesota Shut Out In Washington 3-0
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<p>The Wild's inconsistent season took yet another step on Sunday, as Minnesota was shut out 3-0 by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> 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 <span>Braden Holtby</span>, who finished with 28 saves.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><span>Alex Ovechkin</span> 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.</p>
<p><i>For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Minnesota Wild</a>, check out <a href="http://www.hockeywilderness.com/" target="_blank">Hockey Wilderness</a>. Also be sure to head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/">Japers' Rink</a></i><i> for more Washington Capitals. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl" target="_blank">SB Nation's NHL page</a>.</i></p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-wild/2012/3/25/2902077/wild-vs-capitals-final-minnesota-shut-out-in-washingtonDave Ryan2012-03-25T09:21:31-05:002012-03-25T09:21:31-05:00Wild Vs. Capitals: Minnesota Looks To Bounce Back Against Washington
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<p>Wild looking to finish season strong.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Minnesota Wild</a>'s hopes of regaining their early season form and working their way into the playoffs took a major hit last night with their 3-1 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a>, but there is no time to reflect on the impact of that loss since the Wild have to bounce back and play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> on Sunday evening.</p>
<p>The Caps won't be happy with the Wild to begin with since Buffalo's win last night put the Sabres ahead of Washington for the eight spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The streaky Capitals appeared to lock themselves into a playoff spot after winning four games in a row earlier in March, but after going 1-2-2 in their last five games the Caps are currently on the outside looking in.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Wild will continue trying to play their new role as spoiler with just eight games remaining in the NHL regular season.</p>
<p>The game is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. ET and will be televised on NBC Sports.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Minnesota Wild, check out <a href="http://www.hockeywilderness.com" target="_blank">Hockey Wilderness</a>. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl" target="_blank">SB Nation's NHL page</a>.</i></p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-wild/2012/3/25/2901140/wild-vs-capitals-minnesota-looks-to-bounce-back-against-washingtonTom Lewis