That escalated quickly. Before we begin, I just want to remind you that the Wild still has the better Gabby.
Tonight’s loss in Los Angeles went from good to really bad in a matter of minutes for the Wild, a collapse that will definitely sting for a couple of days. Minnesota scored first and entered the third period with a 2-1 lead, but the Kings absolutely took over in the final frame and imposed their will, scoring four unanswered goals to roll to a convincing 5-2 victory. Pouring salt in that already stinging wound, the Wild’s all-time leading scorer, Marian Gaborik, potted two goals for LA—numbers 399 and 400 of his career—and was the star of the game, because of course he was.