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A Little Different But More of The Same |
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It was a very spirited comeback by the Wild who overcame a 3-0 hole and two two goal deficits in the third period to tie the game at 4. Kirill Kaprizov potted the game tying goal with just under a minute to play but in the end it was Ryan OReilly and the Blues who took the win and the two points with a late game goal.
That marks the third straight last minute defeat vs. the Blues, with two coming in OT, where the Wild were at least able to gain a point. That is very little consolation as the Wild are not in a position of having to worry about teams behind them. They would like to move up and at the very least enter the playoffs winning games against playoff contenders and not just the bottom feeders.
St. Louis is becoming a real thorn in the Wild side but in the grand scheme of things this is the best scenario to get the Wild prepared for what playoff competition looks and feels like.
Cam Talbot had a rare off night as far as his performance goes allowing 5 goals and at least a couple that he would want back. The team came to his rescue for a change as Talbot has stolen more points himself than the other way around.
Dean Evason made a subtle line shift moving Victor Rask to play between Kevin Fiala and Marcus Johansson in the third period. That move paid immediate dividends as Rask set up Fiala to get the Wild within one and then Fiala returned the favor as he dished a pass to Rask for his eighth of the season once again drawing the Wild within one after O'Reilly had reestablished the Blues 2-goal cushion.
It was a valiant effort by the Wild in the third period and quite honestly the Blues were fortunate to be able to win it in OT as they had really been holding on for much of the third period. Minnesota had a number of good chances in OT as well but in the end it was the Blues skating off with the two points.
Tomorrow is another opportunity for the Wild to finish the deal.
Minnesota Wild Blogger • 
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