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Jimmy Howard had a really good first period and a really good third period yes, 4 goals went in, but a tip of that hat to Mats Zuccarello for a beautiful rebound and Jason Zucker just sniped the corner on a breakaway. The Wild, clearly unhappy being down 2-1 after the first, came back and put the game away in the second.

Filip Zadina scored twice on what may be the strangest goals of his career. A net front pass to Bertuzzi for Erickson Ek the unwitting finisher, and a snap shot on the Power Play was kicked in by a defenseman. Neither were pretty, but they speak to how well Zadina is developing. He got the pass and the shot off quickly and to the right places. #11 had some other nice attempts stymied by Dubnyk. There is a clear velocity to his shot that is eye opening. The “thud” of the puck when it makes contact with the goalie indicates a much harder shot than I thought the former OHL sniper possessed. Remembering that Zadina is only 20 is a good boost to how he’s developing himself to the pro level.

Also impressive were Detroit’s last 4 minutes of play with Jimmy Howard pulled. Although Detroit didn’t score, the cycle looked very good. Several keep ins that caused the defending Wild players to get worn down. The line of Bertuzzi/Larkin/Zadina had some really good looks (Fabbri included for PP) but the scoring touch drops off swiftly past those 4 forwards. Mlive indicates that Mantha is out at least one more month and possibly the whole season. Jake Muzzin’s slew foot was a costly one, though unpenalized or examined by the league. It’s being called a “rib” issue, and if there was separation of muscle from bone, ouch. That’s a painful recovery.

Was Jason Zucker ever a figure skater? In the first period he’d had a beautiful forecheck which saw him switch to the side skating that Jeff Skinner tends to do. Feet in opposite directions for a nice quick movement and then back to normal position. He’s one of a few Wild players that make this season (and others) so frustrating for a fan base that knows an awful lot about hockey. Mats Zuaccarello still makes me smile. He’s tenacious and a fighter. The injury he came back from was serious and scary. Hard to root against a guy like that.

All in all, this game was right in line with what Detroit needs. Clear improvement in some areas, more goals on the board for a young player, flashes of really nice forechecking, and a loss. It hurts to say, but Detroit needs every opportunity to get as close to the first overall pick as possible.

The team, mercifully, will have some time off for the All Star break. It is exciting to see Bertuzzi get rewarded for a very good personal season, as well as see Larkin get a respite from explaining to all the cameras why the team lost. Again. It’s possible there will be a bit of an uptick after the break in individual performances, but the season should wind down much the same as it’s been. Improvement in areas coupled with a loss.

The trade deadline is fast approaching. Expect Yzerman to become glued to the phones once the damn is breached as contenders are separated from the pack. The wish list is picks and prospects. We’ll see how he does.

Should anything develop between now and the team’s return, I’ll certainly post an update. Otherwise it may be a slow several days. Thank you so much for everyone who stops by to read and comment. This year is winding down, and the hope is there won’t be another just like it

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