The Minnesota Wild are tearing it up early again. Remember last year when they exploded out of the gate while the rest of the league slept-walked through the first month of the season? Well they are doing it again.

While last years hot start was cooled by injuries to Gaborik and Demitra, the Wild are definitely looking forward this year. They have yet to lose a game in regulation, and have now won seven of their first 8 games this season.

Last night, just minutes before going to overtime with the Colorado Avalanche, Mikko Koivu broke free to score the game winner, and give the Wild the 3-2 victory. Goaltender Niklas Backstrom was solid once again making 29 saves on the evening. Backstrom continues to reward the Minnesota Wild for making him their number one netminder in favor of Manny Fernandez who was traded to the goaltending camp in Boston. The Wild currently sit atop the Western Conference and now boast the best record in the NHL.

Quick Shave:
The Vancouver Canucks stopped their losing ways last night due in large part to backup goaltender Curtis Sanford who made 35 saves to backstop his club to a 4-1 win over the surging Columbus Blue Jackets. Ryan Kesler potted two goals on the evening, and Markus Naslund and Kevin Bieksa rounded out the scoring to seal the win. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash scored the lone goal for his team and now has a three game goal scoring streak.

Game of the Night:
San Jose at Calgary 9:00 PM

This looks to be a wholesome matchup between a couple of the big boys out West. Both teams are looking to establish themselves as powerhouses, and will have ample opportunity to do so this evening. Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh