Preseason Game Three Thoughts

Photo: Brad Rempel-USA Today

In last night's preseason game, it was the Wild edging the Jets 4-3 thanks to a late Jared Spurgeon goal. Here are some thoughts from last night's game:

• Everyone was ooing and ahhing about the power play, and rightfully so, as they scored three goals via the man advantage. This was done, mind you, without the services of Thomas Vanek, who is expected to bring some much needed offensive help to the Wild this season.
• After letting in a soft goal in the game's opening minutes, Niklas Backstrom settled down and looked solid in his first full game since January 11th. While his save percentage last night was less than stellar, it was a deflection off a skate and a puck that he never saw coming that got by him for goals two and three. 
• Erik Haula is still very very fast. I think he will be just fine this year.'
• Matt Dumba was getting the high praises of the head coach last night, and he should. He played an extremely fantastic game. He manned the point on the second power play unit, was very physical, and made a nice play to set up the Wild's third goal. Its going to be very difficult to send him down to Iowa to start the year.
• Speaking of nice games on the blueline, it was Dumba's defensive partner Gustav Olofsson who also played a solid game. He had a few moments that cried 'rookie', but overall he showed great poise for a player who is 19 and participating in his first NHL training camp.
• Joel "the wrecking ball" Rechlicz only got five shifts in his first game this preseason. He did not look overly great, so it is a fair guess that he does not make the Wild opening night roster.
• Wild are right back at it tomorrow with a game against Pittsburgh. Sounds like Sidney Crosby will make the trip to St. Paul despite missing Saturday's game due to the death of his grandmother.

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