Regression has hit the Wilderness hard. The Walk has gone from Bryan to Nathan, and now down to me. Someone call the statheads and let them know they were right...kind of...not really...

To call the game against Calgary tonight huge is a massive understatement. The Wild have lost 10 of 11, and dropping another in division game isn't going to help. Another late start with a 9:00 PM game (CST) reminds us all how much realignment benefits the fan base. Wait, what happened to realignment? Le sigh...

The Flames come into this game on a 5-game skid, so this is a team that's ripe for the picking. Don't kid yourselves, this is a must-win game. The team needs a shot of confidence, and the fans need something to be excited about.

Wild News:

Wild Mid-Season Report - The Wild are looking for success. Someone get these guys a treasure map.

Ups and downs of hockey aren't lost on Wild's top prospect - Who doesn't like more news on Mikael Granlund? Plus, a couple final notes about the Wild prospects at the WJC.

A stathead's dream - A look at some of the Wild statistics from the first half of the season.

News across the NHL:

Realignment plan, modified playoff delayed - From the AP, which got their story from the NHL Front Offices. Don't believe everything Mr. Bettman wants you to believe about the "big, bad players' union".

NHLPA Blocks the Realignment - StarTribune look at the Union's block of the realignment

Realignment allegedly off; Wild's Swedes reach pinnacle; Wild recoups and Bouchard hurt - The Rant's version of the realignment block.

Enemy News:

Matchsticks and Gasoline - News from behind enemy lines

Flames make a deal with Lightning - No, the Bolts didn't get a goalie. They're still in the running to overpay for Harding.

It’s only ever been Jarome Iginla and the Calgary Flames - If you don't expect a lot out of Ryan Lambert, you won't be disappointed.