Wild week in review

Last update: November 15, 2009 - 7:52 AM

WEEK IN REVIEW

Record: 1-1-1

• The Wild opened a four-game road trip by winning for the fourth time in five games Tuesday by clobbering Toronto 5-2. Mikko Koivu scored a goal and two assists, and Niklas Backstrom made 37 saves. But the Wild blew a 3-1 third-period lead Thursday at Tampa Bay before losing 4-3 in a shootout and dropped a 3-1 decision Friday in Washington.

STAR TRIBUNE'S STAR OF THE WEEK

Owen Nolan, right winger: The grizzly 37-year-old veteran moved to the second line and is skating great. He scored shorthanded in Toronto and scored the "Goal of the Year" in Tampa by going from zone-to-zone.

THIS WEEK: Three games

Today: at Carolina, 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday: vs. Phoenix, 7 p.m.; Friday: vs. N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

• The Wild, and Coyotes killer Niklas Backstrom, have won nine of the past 10 vs. Phoenix, and No. 1 overall pick John Tavares makes his first visit to St. Paul with the Isles.

THE QUOTE

"You watch the way [the Wild’s] played the last two weeks, they’re starting to get it." — Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet

MICHAEL RUSSO

Recent Minnesota Wild stories

Wild's No. 1 fan holding steady despite slow start - November 15, 2009

Wild's No. 1 fan holding steady despite slow start - Owner Craig Leipold was tormented by his team's early struggles but is fully behind his new GM, Chuck Fletcher, and coach, Todd Richards. Summary. More

New Jersey rolls to eighth straight win, tops in NHL this season. - November 15, 2009

New Jersey rolls to eighth straight win, tops in NHL this season. - Zach Parise's breakaway highlighted a three-goal second period and the New Jersey Devils won their eighth straight game with a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. More