Surging into and out of the Olympic break, the Minnesota Wild have created a significant cushion between them and their competitors for the two Western Conference wild-card playoff spots.
That's not enough. With five days before they play next, this was still a game they were worried about -- and had to win.
Mikael Backlund scored two goals, including the winner 2:25 into overtime to give the Calgary Flames a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night.
The NHL suspended Vancouver coach John Tortorella without pay for 15 days on Monday for his conduct after a brawl between the Canucks and the Calgary Flames.
Zach Parise scored twice and Josh Harding continued his dominance in goal to lead the Minnesota Wild to a 5-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.
The Minnesota Wild were back on their home ice, with a prime opportunity to take another step toward the playoffs. Despite long stretches of dominance, they remain stuck due to a plucky performance by the noncompliant Calgary Flames.
Mikko Koivu scored the winner in the shootout and the Minnesota Wild got their first road victory of the season with a 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Monday night.