Rinne brings Wild streak to an end

Minnesota Wild were sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference heading into Nashville, only six points behind the 8th seed Detroit Red Wings.  Predators in their own fight to hold onto a playoff spot made quick work of Wilds’ Josh Harding scoring three in the opening period.

Nashville Predators had a strong home showing against the Minnestoa Wild as the Predators extend their winning streak to four while ending the Wild’s streak at three.

Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne earned his fifth shutout of the season (the 12th in his career) as they beat the Wild 5-0.  Colin Wilson opened the scoring at 7:07 in the first with an unassisted wrist shot.  J.P. Dumont and Jason Arnott also scored in the first.

“We played well with the lead, and we played with confidence at the end of the game,” Predators’ Arnott stated. “Everybody contributed tonight and we came out with a big two points.”

Marcel Goc scored his 12th of the season while he and Patric Hornqvist with a power play goal round out the goal scoring for the Predators.

Wild Captain Miko Koivu was held to only one shot on goal for the game out of his  in his 16:33 minutes of ice time.   Even Latendresse was held off the box score other than having a plus minus of negative-two for the game.

Coming back from the second intermission down by four Wade Dubielewicz replaced Harding in net for the Wild.

“We weren’t that good today,” Harding said. “The great thing about hockey is that we can forget about this one and get ready for tomorrow. I think we all know we need to be better.”

And they will have to be if they plan on extending their season.

Three Stars: Colin Wilson, Jason Arnott, Pekka Rinne

Winning Goaltender: Pekka Rinne

Losing Goaltender: Josh Harding