Minnesota Wild move into the play-off spot after winning 5-4 against St. Louis Blues in shootout
Minnesota Wild successfully made their way into the final play-off position today. The Wild went to the Scottrade Centre to face the St. Louis Blues. A win was crucial for both sides with Minnesota requiring just a point to move into the eighth spot.
This was the first of two games Friday that had to be decided in shootout. Both teams were pretty much even and scored four goals apiece during the sixty minutes of play. However, when the game went into overtime no goals were scored but Minnesota Wild emerged
as 5-4 winners after the shootout. Cal Cutterbuck, winger of the Minnesota Wild was the hero of the game scoring two important goals when the Wild needed them.
Right from the start of the game, both teams attacked and looked to score as soon as possible. Both teams were very well aware of the fact that getting into the lead early on was very important and could help their cause for a win.
St. Louis Blues struck first blood and successfully scored in the 2nd minute through Patrik Berglund to get into the lead. The goal was a result of some splendid piece of play. However, the lead didn’t last long as Minnesota scored in the very
next minute to level the scores. The goal was scored by Andrew Brunette from a well placed flick shot.
Both teams continued with their strong offensive play and with each passing minute the attacks intensified. St. Louis was successfully in getting back into the lead with their second goal in the 16th minute scored by Andy McDonald from a well
placed shot.
There were a couple of more goal attempts as the period neared its end but none of the shots found the back of the net. The period ended with Blues leading 2-1 as they made 11 goal attempts in the period while Minnesota Wild made 9 goal attempts.
Minnesota Wild with a very strong start to the second period scored through Cal Cutterbuck to level the scores. The goal was scored in the 2nd minute from a well placed flick shot. Shots on goal were rare and the chances that came in the remaining
part of the period were difficult to score from.
There were loads of attacks during the period but neither of the teams could capitalize from these and convert them into goals. The period ended with the scores level on 2-2 and Minnesota Wild making 9 goal attempts while St. Louis Blues made 5 goal attempts.
The stage was all set for an entertaining and exciting final period. This is certainly what happened as two goals were scored in the very first minute. The first goal was scored by David Backes and put the Blues ahead. However, with the very next play after
restart Minnesota levelled the scores once again. The goal was scored by cal Cutterbuck once again from a brilliant backhand shot.
Blues were more productive in terms of goal attempts in the period which resulted in them scoring once again in the 7th minute through David Backes once again. Nevertheless, Minnesota was also strong in the period and scored late in final minute
to level the scores. The equalizing goal was scored by Martin Havlat from a simple tip in shot.
The game went into overtime as the scores were level in 4-4 at the end of regulation time. Unfortunately no goals were scored in overtime but John Madden’s goal in shootout proved to be the difference between the two teams as Minnesota won the game 5-4.
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