The Wild provided the latest microcosm of its season by getting blanked by Arizona in a must-win game Sunday. Minnesota's playoff odds are down below 1 percent now. It's pretty much over, except for the math.
The Wild, by the way, is in danger now of finishing in last place in the seven-team Central Division.
Minnesota entered Monday in sixth place, just two points ahead of the Blackhawks — and Chicago has improved after an awful start.
The Wild hasn't finished in last place in its division since 2005-06, back in the old five-team Northwest Division. Marian Gaborik (38) and Brian Rolston (34) topped 30 goals that season. The Wild finished with 84 points, which could be its number this year as well.
The Wolves have a chance of catching the Wild in the mythical championship I like to crown every year. The Wolves still trail in the standings, but they have five games left to the Wild's three.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
