[nmhen]

I'm really excited for this game.

I expect a playoff-like effort from both teams.

Minny has been so-so at home lately, the big win over STL notwithstanding. Obviously they can't sustain this kind of winning percentage, so I've been looking for little cracks in their game that indicate they might be getting ready to fall back to earth.

Their PP is horrendous. Sounds like Vanek might get back on the 1st unit to start tonight, but he and Suter have been terrible on the PP for a while.

Apart from that, the only thing I've noticed is more of a feel thing in watching them. They just seem like they're not as sharp. They've won some games by coming from behind and the fear is they're losing some urgency early in games because of it. That's obviously a dangerous way to go about your business.

I was at the game on Long Island this week, and the first period the Isle absolutely OWNED the Wild. 16-5 shots or something like that. It was incredible. But, most of those shots and chances came from the outside, and they do a good job limiting rebounds - those few that Dubnyk allows, and that he doesn't direct away from danger. Result? 0-0 after one. Wild eventually won in the SO.

The thing about Dubnyk is he makes all the saves he should make, plus some that he shouldn't. But not more of those than is reasonable. He hasn't been superman. He's been solid and reliable. That tells you A) how horrendous Backstrom/Kuemper were before he got here and B) that this really is a pretty good Wild team in front of him.

I like our depth, we're getting offense from different lines.

Dumba is still prone to the gaffe, but my goodness, his offensive instincts are tremendous and he's only a pup yet - mistakes are to be expected.

Couple other things:

Granlund (ours) has been BRUTAL on faceoffs lately. And Coyle is also terrible on the dot. Koivu is pretty good, and Brodziak is okay - but he's hurt. Flames should get some possession off faceoffs tonight.

Suter's TOI has been coming down over the past couple weeks, unless there's an in-game injury on the blue line or something. The other night, Dumba had more TOI than Suter, believe it or not.

I love Schroeder's speed to the outside on the attack.

Bergenheim - ugh. The word is that, if Fletcher thought he even MIGHT be able to get Stewart, he wouldn't have traded for Bergenheim, playoff prowess or not. The guy is extremely inefficient - looks like he's working hard, never does anything.

Stewart has been strong for us. WE're getting him motivated - for a new contract beyond this season, and just for getting the heck out of Buffalo.

I'm hoping for a great game tonight, regardless of the outcome.