Wild Couldn’t Even Find the ‘Five Hole’

Anaheim goaltender John Gibson was at his best last night at the Excel Energy Center, stopping all 37 shots he faced in a 1-0 victory over Minnesota. It was his fourth shutout of the season.

The only goal in the game came early, with rookie Joseph Cramarossa finding the back of the net early in the first period.

Gibson stalled the league's fourth-highest scoring team, beating Minnesota and former coach Bruce Boudreau for the first time in three meetings.

The Wild were 0 for 5 on the power play and lost in regulation for the first time in six games and only the fifth time since the start of December, a span of 34 games. Devan Dubnyk made 22 saves.

Cramarossa scored for the first time in 16 games 4:38 into the first period. Corey Perry's shot from Dubnyk's left side was stopped, but the puck dropped near Dubnyk's feet and Cramarossa alertly tapped it in.

The Wild dominated the game evidenced by the fact that after the goal, the Ducks went nearly 10  minutes without a shot while the Wild were continually frustrated by Gibson.  Another sellout last night with 19,047 fans in attendance.

The Wild's home stand continues Thursday night when the Dallas Stars come to the X. That game starts at 7 PM.