Minnesota Wild @ St. Louis Blues: Game Recap

Well, since this isn't on TV, we'll let the esteemed Michael Russo take over from here: 

Wild lost 3-1 at St. Louis, but as mentioned in the paper, Wild brought its minor-league team mostly and St. Louis many of its real players. Of the Wild guys, you’ll like Greg Zanon. Steady Eddy, and tough as nails. As advertised, just throws himself in front of shots. Shane Hnidy had some Martin Skoula moments, but also tough as nails in a different way. Won’t back down to anyone. James Sheppard played well. Kyle Brodziak was all over the place. I don’t see a ton of skill there, but won 13 of 16 draws (as you all know, the Wild need that) and had six shots. To me, he’s a center, not wing. Andy Hilbert worked his you know what off, but he’s thrown down pretty easily and as mentioned previously, with Petr Sykora here now, it’ll be a little more difficult for him to make the team. Craig Weller and Colton Gillies were minus-3’s. Benoit Pouliot scored a goal and didn’t back down physically in skirmishes, but there’s still a lack of drive every shift.

So ... as said yesterday, this team wasn't supposed to win. This was simply to find out who is ready to learn the system and who should just get on the plane and head to Houston ASAP.

Hockey Wilderness Three Stars

1. Benoit Pouliot (1 G)
2. Matt Kassian (first NHL action ever)
3. Todd Richards (There has to be some reason the team had 34 shots, right?)

Questions to Answer

1. Who are these guys? Your 2009-2010 Houston Aeros!
   
2. What can we possibly take away from Todd Richards' first game with this roster? They'll shoot the puck.
   
3. Will Petr Kalus and Benoit Pouliot find new life with a new coach and GM? Pouliot scored and played physically, but inconsistently. Kalus played physically but inconsistently. Sounds like same old same old with these guys.
   
4. Why is St. Louis taking this game this seriously? As it turns out, they're jumping right into it, heading to Sweden for exhibition play. Oh, and it was a home game. We'd be pissed too if last night's Wild lineup was out there this Friday.
   
5. How effing happy are you that hockey is back??? You have no idea.