Not only was the action teeing up a potential encore performance by the Wild, but it looked like it was following the exact same script.
After outlasting the Jets the day before by converting on a 4-on-3 power play in overtime, the Wild was again given the chance to capitalize with an extra attacker in the extra session Sunday against the Flames.
The Wild even trotted out the same players that were on the ice for the clinching goal.
But instead of copying Saturday's strategy, the Wild whiffed on the chance and nosedived into a 5-4, seven-round shootout loss to the Flames in front of 17,204 at Xcel Energy Center to go 1-2-1 on its four-game homestand.
"Special teams is killing us," coach Bruce Boudreau said.
That's where the blame turned after the game, not just because of the missed opportunity in overtime that came after Calgary captain Mark Giordano was called for tripping Ryan Donato.
Two of the Flames' goals, including Giordano's game-tying goal at 14 minutes, 32 seconds of the third period, came on the power play — magnifying the team's recent woes on the penalty kill. Calgary ended up 2-for-4, while the Wild was 1-for-2.
"When you don't get the puck out, it almost always kills you," Boudreau said. "When you get the puck out, 200 feet, and it's not like we're going for goals trying to make plays, we're just trying to get the puck out and we're giving it right to them."