Minnesota Wild @ Columbus Blue Jackets: The Morning After

How much can you tell from a game between two teams not playing for anything? The Minnesota Wild once again played a fantastic offensive game in a match that didn't mean anything. Marian Gaborik scored twice and added an assist. Kurtis Foster and Mikko Koivu each had a goal and an assist as the Wild beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-3.

The story tonight was the departure of Jacques Lemaire.

“There comes a time when you know it’s the right time to go,” he said. “And I know this. I had a great time here. I had eight great years.”

The 63-year-old Lemaire took over the expansion franchise when it joined the NHL in 2000-2001. Lemaire has a career record of 538-415-176 in 14 seasons with Montreal, New Jersey and Minnesota, leading the Devils to the 1995 Stanley Cup title. He was 291-256-107 with the Wild, including winning records in his last six seasons.

Hockey Wilderness Three Stars

1. Marian Gaborik (2 G, 1 A)
2. Mikko Koivu (1 G, 1 A)
3. Kurtis Foster (1 G, 1 A)

Questions to Answer

1. Is tonight Jacques Lemaire's last game as coach of the Minnesota Wild? It is indeed. Thank you Jacques. Someone is going to have HUGE shoes to fill.
2. Will Marian Gaborik end his career with the Wild tonight? Likely, but we don't know yet.
   
3. Can we push Risebrough out of town? I'm going to guess not.
   
4. Backstrom finally get a night off? Yes he did.
   
5. Anyone really give a crap about tonight? I'm not watching. 8 comments on the game thread. That sums it up.
   

Notes

• Jacques Lemaire resigned as coach of the Minnesota Wild.
  
• Marian Gaborik has 10 goals and 18 points in ten games since returning. He's going to get a fat contract.