Wild vs. Flames Official GDT

Wild vs. Flames post-game and more

18 seconds is all it takes for the Flames to defeat the Wild as Kiprusoff shuts them out 3-0

Written by Derek Felska
Sunday, 28 November 2010 21:22

The news that famous comedic actor Leslie Nielsen was tough to deal with. The master of the deadpan, with terrific timing he really took off (literally and figuratively) with the 1978 Airport inspired spoof Airplane. From lines like "Yes I'm serious, and don't call me Shirley" to "You'd better tell the Captain we've got to land as soon as we can. This woman has to be gotten to a hospital. A hospital? What is it? It's a big building with patients, but that's not important right now." No matter what he could always make you laugh and many of his jokes are more or less timeless. He battled through having an alcoholic and abusive father as well as being able to overcome being almost deaf without almost anyone learning of these challenges until he passed away. This proud Canadian actor who said he likely was chosen for roles of leadership for his "Canadian accent" always seemed to have a level of humbleness that made his roles so endearing. The Regina, Saskatchewan-native may or may not have been a big fan of hockey, but he certainly had something to say about the game many hockey players relish playing during the offseason, when he described golf so aptly when he stated, "The reason they call it 'golf' is that all the other four-letter words were used up."

It may not be for a rodeo or a game of golf in Saskatchewan, but in someways the Wild need to be thinking along those lines tonight as they head up to Alberta to play the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Wild need to think about wrangling in their plummeting post-season hopes and that must start with a solid effort between the pipes. In Minnesota's most recent game, the Wild had a poor performance from Niklas Backstrom and it doomed the Wild to a 7-4 loss at the hands of the speedy Avalanche. Simply put the Wild cannot have sub par goaltending and some wonder if the most recent performances of Backstrom is a sign that he is wearing down. His goals against average has steadily increased and his once gaudy save percentage has steadily worn away. Many questioned Wild Head Coach Todd Richards non-decision in swapping out Backstrom sooner, instead leaving him out there to struggle as the Avs lit him up for 7 goals. It certainly isn't a situation that endears a coach to his goaltender when he allows him to endure such humiliation. So will the humiliation continue or will the Wild refocus and rope in the wayward Flames this evening? (click on the link for the rest of the article)

There is a complete post-game and prospect report on Erik Haula and Kris Foucault. Enjoy!