Foster returns

In remarkable comeback from what many believed was a career ending injury, Minnesota Wild defenseman Kurtis Foster put an end to his rehabilitation and reconditioning and returned to NHL action this afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings. Foster broke his left femur almost a year ago, March 20 2008, against the San Jose Sharks. The tough Wild blue-liner took 16 shifts against the Kings, for 9:28 TOI. The game marks a long road back that included what I imagine was countless hours of therapy and conditioning, plus a 6-game stint with the Houston Aeros. It was great to see him back on the ice though, and it would be even greater to see the pending UFA wear the Wild uniform in the upcoming years.

Wild slip further

Unfortunately for the Wild, the joyous Foster comeback was quelled by the teams inconsistent play, as Minnesota's early 'summer door program' opened a crack further, and they dropped another game against the pesky Kings 4-3. The inconsistent play showed up in the second period and really summarized how this season has gone for Minnesota, good then bad play. The Wild stunned the San Jose Sharks in OT a few nights ago, then lost a very winnable game against the Kings. For whatever reason, this team has been incapable of putting together any type of meaningful winning streak and last won two in a row in late February. And after their encouraging start to the season when the team won 4 in a row, the Wild has only managed one three-game winning streak since. And trying to get Minnesota to put together 3 solid periods in one game has been like asking the devil for a break. Our All-Star goaltender Niklas Backstom was far from even average today and was pulled after giving up the third Kings goal. But even the $24 million dollar man has his off-days.

So now we sit 1-4 on this road-trip, with one more to play tomorrow against the Anaheim Ducks. It does not look good...