Good morning Wilderness and what a good morning it is indeed! Your Minnesota Wild snapped a 3 game losing streak last night and we come to you in celebration of a win! It took OT to get it done, but a win is a win and with them not coming as often as we'd like we'll take it, even if it means giving the Predators a point in the process.
The Wild secured the "W" in part due to a questionable penalty called on Paul Gaustad for punching the puck in the faceoff circle. I have to admit its a rule I had never heard of before, and it seemed to have raised the ire of the Predator faithful and even a few Wild fans alike. The penalty set up a 4 on 3 power play in overtime when Devin Setoguchi finally broke through in the goal department, and in celebration you could see just how frustrated he had become being held goalless through the first 10 games. Backstrom played lights out and probably even got lucky a few times to boot. A few question marks still remain, like what to do with Pierre-Marc Bouchard, but we can focus on that later, right now lets just be happy for 2 points.
Wild News
With flourish, Setoguchi emerges from doghouse | StarTribune.com - That looked like it felt real good for Seto.
Setoguchi comes up big in OT | StarTribune.com - Wild give up a point, but keep 2 for themselves.
Minnesota Wild win in OT as Devin Setoguchi ends dry spell - TwinCities.com - I just don't get sick or reading about wins!
Wild coach talks about Mikael Granlund and putting Pierre-Marc Bouchard on 4th line | StarTribune.com - I don't think Yeo got a lot of the PMB questions answered last night.
The Team of 18,001: Worry: Yes. Panic: No - If you learned anything from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, its the answer is 42 and Don't Panic!
CISCO Arena Cam - Devin Setoguchi Video - NHL VideoCenter - Minnesota Wild - Seto getting some love from the guys at NHL Network.
NHL VideoCenter - Minnesota Wild - Start with the Yeo post game presser, and move on to some player interviews.
Minnesota Wild's Zach Parise feeling better, returns to team - TwinCities.com - If he was sick during the game, he certainly doesn't show it.
Devin Setoguchi's OT winner snaps Wild skid: 'This is a clean slate' | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities - Some more on last nights game.
Setoguchi delivers a much-needed 2-1 overtime victory over the Predators | February | 2013 Articles - RECAPS, RECAPS, RECAPS!
Minnesota Wild 2, Nashville Predators 1 (OT): New Faceoff Rule Costs Preds - On the Forecheck - How the guys are handling it over at On the Forecheck.
Tending the Fields
Florida Everblades beat Orlando Solar Bears 7-3 in ECHL action. - OrlandoSentinel.com - Florida Everblades top visiting Orlando Solar Bears 7-3.
aeros.com: Archive News - Kuemper shuts out the Ice Hogs, Aeros win 2 - 0.
Houston Aeros shoot down Rockford IceHogs’ offense 2-0 - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star - More on the Aeros win.
Off the Trail
The NHL should ban fighting to prevent post-concussion syndrome - Sports - The Boston Globe - Questions surrounding fighting and post-concussion syndrome. A discussion worth having though I don't believe fighting is largest problem when it comes to concussions in the NHL.
Brent Burns returns to Sharks lineup, loses amazing beard in the process | ProHockeyTalk - So long, crazy facial hair.
Blues’ Langenbrunner likely out for season after surgery | ProHockeyTalk - Not good news for the Blues faithful.
Ducks’ Brad Staubitz ejected for spearing Brenden Dillon in groin (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! Sports - Staubitz, where have I heard that name before ...
Leafs’ rout of Habs turns into melee; Pacioretty says Grabovski bit him, Orr one-punches Bourque | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! Sports - I was unaware, the Wachutu's, were biters!
NHL 3 Stars: Ryan, Selanne power Ducks; shutouts for everyone, even a guy who lost | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! Sports - Saturdays action in the NHL.