It took Minnesota a while to get going tonight and it ended up costing them a 4-2 decision against the defending Stanley Cup champs, writes the Star Tribune. The Wild, outshot 12-5 in the first, spotted Anaheim a 3-0 second period lead before scoring two goals in 14 seconds to close within one. Todd Bertuzzi scored twice for Anaheim.
Minnesota didn't have an answer for Bertuzzi and his linemates, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, as they combined for nine points. "You can't spot teams a two-, three-goal lead and expect to win," said Wild winger Mark Parrish. Anaheim improved to 12-2-2 since bringing all-world defenseman Scott Niedemayer back from retirement. Backup goalie Jonas Hiller got the win. (More NHL stories.)