Wild Beat Stars on the Road, Win Two Straight
Nov 15, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Wild center
Mikael Granlund(64) looks to pass as Dallas Stars left wing
Curtis McKenzie(11) defends during the second period at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
I was born in 1986, so am just barely old enough to remember the Minnesota North Stars. The North Stars still live on today, mostly because their logo and jerseys were some of the best in the history of the NHL. But they also live on through their current incarnation, the Dallas Stars. A team leaving the State of Hockey for Texas never felt right. Even if I had been an unbiased observer, I wouldn’t have liked it, just how I didn’t like rest of the exodus of northern United States and Canadian teams moving south to the Sun Belt. Because of the history, when the Wild beat the Stars, it feels even better than the usual win. Norm Green stole what was rightfully our team, so even though he is
a deadbeat who had to sell the team because of his failed business ventures
no longer the owner, I always like to see Dallas faulter, especially against the Wild. Also, these games have taken on added importance since the realignment put the teams in the same division.
Enter Saturday’s matinee. The Wild generally only plays afternoon games on Sundays, and they looked like they were not ready to do so today for the first period and a half. The Wild could not generate any pressure and found themselves down 1-0. Then, Ryan Carter found a streaking Erik Haula for the equalizer at 15:41 in the second period.
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I won’t say the flood gates opened at that point because that is not accurate. However, the Wild definitely got a jump from the goal and controlled the action for the duration of the second period. After the break, Mikael Granlund planted himself in front of the net and batted home the eventual game winner. The Wild had to withstand a few Stars chances down the stretch but held on for a big Central Division win, 2-1.
It was an important win in the standings, as both Dallas and Minnesota have been struggling to gain footing in their ultra competitive division. November is way too early to get too caught up in the standings, but winning in regulation is extra nice, denying the Stars any points today.
Darcy Kuemper had a nice bounce back game, only allowing one goal on 28 shots. Personally, I still believe he represents the Wild’s best hope of a true number one goalie, so hopefully this is a game he can build on. Jason Pominville did not score, but just missed on a couple of opportunities that could have put the game away. Nevertheless, he played well in the offensive zone.
The Wild have now won two straight after losing the previous four. They will look to build on that momentum tomorrow afternoon at The X against the Jets. Here’s hoping for three in a row.