Greetings for one last time this evening.
Youngblood here, filling in for Russo both tonight and tomorrow. And I have to say, I'm a bit drained after trying -- somewhat successfully, I hope -- to capture what was a very emotional game tonight at Xcel Energy Center.
An eight-game winless streak is over. And what a way for it to go. This was the sixth and final time these two teams were set to face each other this season, and neither left anything on the table.
As I write this, a few snapshots come to mind: Brad Staubitz depositing Theo Peckham in the Oilers bench. Kassian beating up on Darcy Hordichuk not once, but twice. Goaltender Niklas Backstrom defending his crease not once, but twice. Nate Prosser defending his goalie as the final horn sounded.
This game had a little bit of everything. But the bottom line is the Wild has now put together two very good games back-to-back. And while Thursday was the official streak-breaker, the team showed signs of coming out of its funk Wednesday in Nashville.
Of course, after the game, coach Mike Yeo was already out in front of this. He was already talking about the team not losing its edge just because the winless streak was over.
"We really try to focus on the way we're playing," he said. "And making sure we're doing the right things with the right attitude. This is two good games we have played in a row. Now let's string together another one. Let's have a good practice (Friday) and get ready for our next game."
Some notes:
