Failed road trip

Our Minnesota Wild recently had their four road-trip come to a concussion with a shootout loss at the hands of the lowly Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes by the way, snapped a 14-game winless streak that dated back to early October. This game was a painful way to end this trip, but fitting because of the inconsistent way that Minnesota has been playing of late.

After the Wild finished off the Toronto Maple Leafs to start the teams Eastern Conference road swing, it looked as if the team may have solved their road woes. It was not that long ago that this edition of the Wild stamped themselves into the teams record book by going on an 8 game road losing streak. So when they went into Air Canada Centre and took down the Leafs 5-2, the confidence was apparent and the hope was that it would carry throughout the teams next 3 games. Unfortunately, even though the Wild earned 2 more points in the standings in those remaining games, they were not even close to earning anything more than that.

To sum up the final 3 games, Minnesota failed to protect a 2 goal third period lead and lost 4-3 in a shootout to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The following night, the excuse wheel was spinning at full throttle after the team dropped a not so close one to the Washington Capitals, 3-1. Truth be told, the Caps were without Alex Ovechkin and carried the play for much of the night. The excuse of the day was the obvious 'back-to-back' song and dance. Finally, the Wild gave away a game to a Carolina team that now has a total of 3 wins on the season. Now some may give credit to our Wild bunch for climbing back into the game after being down 3-0 and 4-1 before tying it up in the final period. On the surface, you could make that mistake, but a closer look may suggest that the team came out so flat that the only reason they were able to make a charge was because of who they happened to be playing.

The result of this four-game trip, 1-1-2.

A couple of firsts

Two members of the Wild scored their first career goals today against the Canes. Recent recalled forward Robbie Earl notched career goals number 1 & 2, including the game tying goal, as he helped lead the comeback that eventually fell short. And in between Earls two goals, big defenseman John Scott notched his first ever NHL goal.

Response to Leipolds search for 'marquee events'

You have to love an active owner...one of this type of active anyway. No, we do not want to see one that storms the locker room or sits on the glass hollering obscenities at the referees. But an owner looking to add events and attractions for the fans and his team is a win-win for the franchise.

Michael Russo of the StarTribune recently ran an article with a short Q & A on a few projects that Wild owner Craig Leipold is working on.

The three included holding a Winter Classic game, hosting the NHL Entry Draft, and opening the season on the road, in Europe.

Who would not want to attend an outdoor game, featuring our Wild skaters at TCF Bank Stadium? It was once a novel idea and has taken on more historically significant teams and stadiums, but what the heck, it would be great fun. The only question would be who to bring in to attract a national audience.

And to hold the leagues annual entry draft would also be a cool event to host, much like it was when the team and community hosted the 54th National Hockey League All-Star Game. What better way to get the fans up-close and personal with the leagues future stars.

But somebody has to explain to me the benefit of sending a franchise overseas to open the regular season play...because I don't simply see any. Hopefully Leipold passes on this one.

From the in-box

MINNESOTA WILD TO HOST SKILLS COMPETITION ON JANUARY 24

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild announced today that the team will hold a Skills Competition, a fan orientated skills event featuring Wild players on Sunday, Jan. 24 starting at 11:00 a.m. at Xcel Energy Center. Gate 1 (southeast corner of Xcel Energy Center off of Kellogg Boulevard) will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation.

Tickets for the Minnesota Wild Skills Competition are on sale now at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) locations or charge by phone by calling (800) 745-3000. General admission tickets are $10.00 in advance or $15.00 if purchased on January 24. Minnesota Wild season ticket holders will receive a complimentary ticket to the Skills Competition for each season ticket on their account.

Fans that purchase a lower level or Treasure Island Resort & Casino Club Level ticket to any Minnesota Wild non-premium home game in December will receive a complimentary Skills Competition ticket in an event suite, a private meet and greet with the Wild coaching staff and a 2009-10 team yearbook.

Minnesota Wild players will be situated at different autograph stations and sign autographs beginning at 11:00 a.m. A $10 autograph ticket must be purchased at each autograph station. Autograph tickets will be distributed to the first 250 fans in line at each station.

Following autographs, players will participate in a variety of on-ice competitions starting at approximately 1:00 p.m. All fans in attendance will also be able to participate in interactive hockey games, a silent auction, raffle and grab bags featuring Minnesota Wild autographed merchandise. The Wild last held a Skills Competition on Jan. 12, 2003.

Great seats are still available for all Minnesota Wild home games. For more information on single game ticket packages visit www.wild.com/ticketpacks.

-- WILD --

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