After losing 6-1 the Wednesday to the Winnipeg Jets, the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to rebound from their embarrassment in Manitoba. Minnesota, 2-1 victors in Chicago on Tuesday, were looking to stop a home losing streak. In the first period, the Wild put up 12 shots on goal and tested Maple Leafs starter James Reimer often. Using its team speed, and by getting pucks deep, the Wild forecheck was good through the neutral zone and was able to get through the new defensive structure installed by Hall of Fame coach Mike Babcock. But even with Minnesota getting the best chances both teams went into intermission in a scoreless tie.
A weird 2nd period kept game too close for comfort
