Avalanche @ Wild - 3-17-08 - View from the Recliner
The Wild returned to the type of hockey that has made them successful throughout their history tonite, coming out on top of a defensive, intense hockey game, 3-1. Brent Burns had a goal and an assist and Branco Radevioivic had the game winner on a deflection in the 2nd period.

The Wild gritted out tonight's win. They got good goaltending when they needed it from Niklas Backstrom and continually drove to the net to keep the pressure on Colorado. This is how they will need to play down the stretch to finish strong and make the playoffs.

The team appeared to be very focused tonite. They didn't get too up when they scored or too down when Colorado tied it. Burnsie beat up on Peter Forsberg. They just seemed to have an intensity tonite that they haven't had in a long time. With 9 games left, here's hopin' it stays.

BTW, the game looked awesome on VS. tonite.

Fight to Hang the 1st Banner
With the win, the Wild are alone on top of the NW by 2 points over Colorado and Calgary. Wild have 9 games left, Colorado 8, and Calgary 10. The key down the stretch is going to be to stay on an even keel; not get too high with each win and not get too low with each loss, as they will be playing all NW division opponents after Wednesday's game v. San Jose. The winner probably won't be decided until the final game. The team and we as fans can now settle back and watch it unfold, instead of worrying about the trend the team is on. (Easy to say now that they've won a couple games...)

Next on the Docket - Wild @ Sharks - Wed 3-19-08
The Wild embark on a huge 4-game road trip Wednesday at San Jose. Keep up the intensity and things should look good coming home for the final stretch. I expect the Wild to keep the scoring low. Wild 2 San Jose 1