Wilderness Walk: Game Day Edition... again

The Minnesota Wild were unable to extend their winning streak 7 games after a real flop of a game last night against the Ottawa Senators. So here we are, 5 points up on the Colorado Avalanche, who happen to have a game in hand against the Wild right now. Both the Wild and Avs are in action tonight. For the Wild, they traveled overnight to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Red Wings tonight. The Avs are at home tonight, but they get the Presidents Trophy winners in the Washington Capitals.

Not going to be an easy task for either team, although the Caps may be playing at half speed tonight. Nothing to get concerned over though. Caps playing at half speed is still miles ahead of the Avalanche. The Red Wings are just 2 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They are trailing the Philadelphia Flyers who also have a game in hand against the Wings. So, if the Wings want to get to the dance, they need all the wins they can get.

Big game tonight folks. Of course, at this point in the season, when you're fighting for your playoff lives, every game is pretty damned important, isn't it?

A little inspiration for tonight!

Wild News

Wild’s winning streak ends with loss to Ottawa – Twin Cities
WOOF!

Injuries hamper Wild as six-game winning streak ends against Ottawa - StarTribune.com
6 wins in a row is pretty slick. 7 would have been much nicer.

Ottawa Senators at Minnesota Wild - Recap - CBSsports.com
Cody Ceci got a goal with 3:57 left that deflected off two Minnesota players to help the Ottawa Senators beat the Wild 3-2 on Thursday night.

Preview: Minnesota Wild at Detroit Red Wings | FOX Sports
The Minnesota Wild look to deal the Detroit Red Wings a big setback as they chase a playoff spot, while solidifying their own playoff berth in the tight Western Conference.

Tending the Fields

ECHL notes: Mallards hosting 'gigantic' game vs. Tulsa Friday night | Quad-City Mallards hockey | qctimes.com
A huge game for the Mallards and their hopes for a 4th consecutive appearance in the ECHL playoffs.

Off the Trail

Panthers gave fans 10,000 rubber rats; guess what happened? (Video) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Imagine that....

The Penguins look dangerous going into playoffs – ProHockeyTalk
But all I've heard lately is how hot the Wild are. I'm so confused ...

No Canada teams in Stanley Cup Playoffs - Stats & Info- ESPN
No Canadian teams will make the playoffs. Check out key numbers that help explain why.

Canadian hockey fans mourn as country's teams miss NHL playoffs | Reuters
So, do we send them some chocolate covered strawberries or something?

Days after being voted the NHL's most overrated player by his peers, Phil Kessel is scoring goals in bulk - SBNation.com
Are they sure he wasn't voted, most overweight?

SCSU's Benik signs deal to play for Bakersfield in AHL
Benik, who recently completed his eligibility, will play in 2016-17 for Condors.

Oh look, another Maple Leaf is making his NHL debut – ProHockeyTalk
They have enough time to get at least 6 more kids in the lineup.

Huge If True: Where will Nail Yakupov end up? | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Seems as though Yak's days are numbered in Edmonton.

RECAPS!!!

Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks

Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings

Arizona Coyotes at Dallas Stars

New Jersey Devils at Florida Panthers

Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning

New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes

Nashville Predators at Pittsburgh Penguins

Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Islanders

Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres

Red Wings News

As always, be sure to stop over and say hello to our friends at Winging it in Motown for all the latest gossip surrounding the Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings enter must-win mode with five games left | Detroit Free Press
The WIngs need a little help this season to punch their ticket to playoffs again this season.