Wild Squeak Past Avalanche

(AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

Damn that was close. If it wasn't for Nik Backstrom putting in an amazing performance, then this game very well could have gone to OT.

Heck, the Avalanche might have even won the game altogether but that might be asking for too much. I mean, according to Q this team just aims to make the playoffs, not to win the division. Why set your sights high since it could just lead to disappointment, right?

Goaltending the Difference

Nik Backstrom was on fire while Theodore was very good and that was the main difference tonight. The Avalanche had quite a few opportunities, especially late in the game, but Backstrom stood tall - well, he goes down a lot so maybe "stretched far" would be a better term - and turned away all the Avalanche attempts at the tying goal.

At the other end, Jose Theodore played fine though he still tossed out a few juicy rebounds, one leading to a highlight reel save as he scrambled to stop the second chance. However he couldn't stop the ones he couldn't see and that was the difference tonight.

Do I expect a goaltender to stop pucks he can't see? No. But Backstrom did stop a few he couldn't see so whether it be luck or skill, that was the factor tonight.

Foote and Forsberg Factor

Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg returned to the Avalanche lineup and while they both played well, there wasn't that spark you initially saw when those two came back. I guess the novelty factor has worn off a bit and now those two really need to step it up and lead this team to the division title (that's right, I said it)

Wolski Riding the Pine

Wojtek Wolski was a healthy scratch again as there is an overabundance of forwards on this team. If Wolski would wake up and put in the effort that he started off the season with then he'd definitely be in the lineup consistently. Unfortunately he isn't showing that same passion and is paying the consequences.

Sakic Waiting on 1,000

Joe Sakic is still waiting on that elusive 1,000th assist but he did fire home a circa 2001 Joe Sakic wrist shot for the only goal of the game. I have to admit I had concerns on Joe's wrist shot for a while now as he seemed to either be missing the net and/or releasing the puck while it was still too far back on his blade. However tonight's shot was picture perfect and gave me hope that he hasn't lost it just yet.

Hockey State

How about those Wild fans? You can lament the teams defensive style but you certainly can't say the fans aren't there for this team. From the opening faceoff until the final buzzer, they were cheering for every hit, save, goal, clear, dump, scoring chance and stick handle. Ok, maybe there weren't that crazy but they were certainly in the game and knew how to voice their appreciation for their team.

Ol' Mick McGeough

I won't complain about McGeough's reffing much (the Forsberg dive call aside) but I will point to a nice article about this being his last year. First, I'll say say that that's a good thing. The man has obviously grown a bit too fond of himself on the ice. But I'll preface that with one thing: he definitely shows passion while out on the ice. Is it too much sometimes? Absolutely. But I bet he's had the time of his life during his lengthy career.

Oh, and I couldn't help but laugh at MacT's comment: "Aw, he's a good ref. He's not retarded"

Division Standings
The Wild now take full control of the Northwest and the Canucks, starting up shortly, have a chance to pull even with the Avalanche and Flames for 2nd in the Northwest. This is shaping up to be an ever crazier race than last year and that's saying a lot!

It's not do-or-die yet for the Avalanche but with the remaining set of games—all divisional—coming up, that time will arrive very soon.

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