Game 80: Stars at Wild

Yeah, it is raining on the Stars. They will not make the playoffs as they are currently seeded 12th in their conference with three games to play. Since this game really has no meaning for the Stars (let's just be honest, OK?), they will more than likely just play their 60 minutes and go home. Minnesota is 37-33-9 (or 37-42, adjusted) and the Stars are 35-34-10 (or 35-44 adjusted). Both teams are still in a hunt for postseason, but the Stars, 12th in the conference, are all but eliminated. The Wild trail 8th place Nashville by three points. The Stars need to win their last three games, and need loses by Nashville, St. Louis, Minnesota, and Edmonton to catch 8th place. Not likely. In fact, the Blues and Predators need to lose their last three games. And it wouldn't hurt for the Oilers and Wild to do the same... again, not likely.

The reality is that both the Wild and Stars are stinking it up. This game tonight will not be defined by the greatness of one team over the other, but by who doesn't stink it up the worst.

Forecast: The Wild doesn't stink it up nearly as bad as the Stars tonight. It is probably due to the Wild playing at home. Stars get officially eliminated from the playoffs with a score of 4-2, Wild.

Home Ice