Goal droughts don't tend to sting as much when chances are being created because players hold that up as proof they're still doing what it takes to score.
But after getting shut out 4-0 Tuesday by the Sharks at Xcel Energy Center, the Wild seemed to take little solace in its collection of missed opportunities — emphasizing its lack of execution amid a string of close calls.
"We had our looks early," center Eric Staal said. "I had a couple I'd like to cash in on, and I think it's a different game the other way."
After rounding out its last road trip with just two goals in two games, it looked like a return home recalibrated the Wild's offense since it accumulated 12 goals through the first half of a four-game stint in St. Paul.
But that production has waned since; the team was limited to just one goal Saturday by the Flames, and it was even less effective Tuesday despite 26 shots on net — a handful of which were dangerous.
SARAH MCLELLAN