Inverse

So I guess the Wild got to show us what happens when they score the first goal. They started the game very well, putting a lot of pressure on the Sharks D. They created a lot of chances while remaining responsible on their end. When a team maintains possession inside the opponent's zone, you know that they're doing well. Shane Hnidy finally made the Sharks pay with a wicked shot that Andrew Brunette deflected to the attic. It's a play that would NOT have happened last year, as defensemen were not allowed to advance into the offensive zone and take shots under Jacques Lemaire. Something that's remained from the old regime is not the amount of scoring chances, but the Wild's inability to, you know, score on those opportunities. Whether it's by a missed shot, one off the post, a "miraculous save" (read: an inaccurate or weak shot), or too much hesitation before shooting. I noticed instances of all of these in tonight's game. That's how the Wild rank 10th in the NHL in shots on goal average, but only 20th in goals scored average.

Plenty of opportunities, with two goals to show for it, but that still meant a two goal lead halfway through the game. The Wild were aggressive to the puck, keeping their sticks active to disrupt the Sharks' passes and shots. The Sharks seemed completely out of rhythm, and none of their possessions lasted very long. Niklas Backstrom needed only thirteen saves for the first half shutout. If only the game had ended there.

The Sharks are one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL offensively, and they exploded for three in seven and a half minutes of play. The first two were just really good plays by the Sharks: quick one timers that left no chance for Backstrom to save it. The go-ahead goal though, was something else. It was another example of what happens when you leave the opponent unchecked around the goaltender. The Wild defenders both moved with a Shark moving in to the circle, leaving another Shark all by himself with poor Niklas, who had no chance on Dany Heatley's shot, unable to see past the mountain of teal in front of him. The fourth San Jose goal was just plain bad hockey, as Mikko Koivu and Greg Zanon could not decide who should cover Patrick Marleau (one of San Jose's best players). Marleau waltzed up to Backstrom's face before sliding the puck through the five-hole for the comfortable two goal lead the Wild had enjoyed just ten minutes before. Marleau's goal is an extreme example of the defensive lapses the Wild managed to overcome for half the game, but an adjusting team is not going to pull off a road win against a very good team with the kinds of mistakes that adjusting teams make.

All in all though, the Wild put on an impressive offensive performance, minus the most important stat: goals. If they keep up the kind of offensive presence they had against San Jose, the goals will come. Hopefully sooner rather than later, because you never know when they're going to leave the goalie out to dry... again.