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Banged Up Wild Host Oilers |
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The injury bug is mounting for the Wild who already have key components Jared Spurgeon and captain, Mikko Koivu, on the shelf and then came the freak hit Tuesday night that took Eric Staal out of the lineup.
Gerry Mayhew was recalled and was on the ice this morning as was Staal though, and Boudreau stated that he would be a game time decision. That is absolutely good news that whatever the injury Staal suffered is not as serious as first thought, when he was down for an extended period before leaving the ice under his own power.
Brennan Menell made his debut Tuesday and looked very confident in his 10+ minutes of ice time. Menell was a +2 and was instrumental in getting the puck out of the Wild zone for the breakouts that led to both goals. He certainly earned himself more time and I would not be surprised to see #61 back in the lineup tonight.
Kaapo Kahkonen making his first home start kept the Wild in the game almost single handedly as the Wild were outplayed terribly in the first period and much of the second being outshot 14-1 in the first period alone.
It took a fluke carom of the Ryan Hartman shot that hit off of John Gibson's paddle then off the knob of his stick and into the Ducks net, to get the Wild back within a goal. Ryan Donato tied the game off a great check and pass from Zach Parise to get the game tied.
Although the Wild eventually dropped the outcome in the shootout the play and heart of Boudreau's squad is rising with each game.
Kahkonen is the anticipated starter tonight as the Wild host the Oilers. This will be another big test for the rookie, however, Kahkonen seems to be unflappable in his short stint with the Wild. I would expect more of the same tonight as he prepares like he belongs in the best league on the planet.
Let's see if the Wild can do their part in front of the young netminder and put pressure on the Oilers net from the outset.
It's always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!
Minnesota Wild Blogger • 
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