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Russo StarTribune.com chat today at noon; Wild prospects fall
Wild news
By mikerusso
As for the Wild prospects currently playing in Traverse City, the Wild won't be repeating as tournament champions. The prospects are currently 1-2 in the tournament, falling 3-1 yesterday.
Here is the news release from the Wild:
Despite the team generating countless offensive opportunities and goalie Matt
Hackett blocking 26 shots, the Minnesota Wild was unable to top the Columbus
Blue Jackets, falling 3-1 in its third game of the Traverse City Prospects
Tournament tonight.
While the team created plenty of offensive chances, Assistant General Manager
Brent Flahr said players tried to over-pass the puck on many occasions rather
than shooting it, making them unable to finish their plays. "We had some
offensive chances but tried to get a little too cute at times," he said.
Turnovers proved to be a large factor in the Wild's defeat as well, as two Blue
Jackets' goals came on intercepted passes. "It's something to learn from," Flahr
said. "Hopefully we'll find a way to come back tomorrow and win the game."
Mike Thomas notched the first goal of the night for Columbus with under a minute
remaining in the first period. But the Wild scored three minutes into the second
stanza on what Flahr called a "textbook goal," evening the tally at 1-1.
Dylan Willick skated down the wing and shot hard on goaltender Paul Dainton's
far pads, creating a perfect rebound. Joey Martin skated hard to the net for the
easy goal. Kris Fredheim also contributed an assist on the play.
"It's something a lot of coaches practice," Flahr said. "It was a good play and
it got us back in the game. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep going."
A turnover on the offensive blue line created a breakaway, and Michael Chaput
reclaimed the lead for Columbus on a clean goal with 2:17 remaining in the
second.
Three minutes into the third, the Wild gave up another turnover, this time
inside the defensive zone. Tyler Johnson was able to capitalize and solidify the
3-1 finish.
Flahr said the game provided an opportunity for growth among Wild prospects. "It
was disappointing, but I think the guys can learn from it and hopefully we'll be
ready to play tomorrow."
The Wild face Dallas Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in the tournament's fifth-place game.
about the writer
mikerusso
Minnesota trailed nearly the entire game, at times by double digits, before scoring eight points in the final 1:13.