The Minnesota Wild lost what could turn out to be a very costly game to the Calgary Flames, 4-1 Sunday at the Xcel Energy Center.
Calgary started the scoring on Mark Cundari’s power play goal midway through the first period. The Flames gained the man-advantage because of an interference penalty on Mikael Granlund.
Five minutes later the Wild tied the game on Zach Parise’s team-leading 17th goal of the season. Charlie Coyle and Mikko Koivu were credited with assists on the goal.
Minnesota, despite dominating the pace of play, failed to score in the second period, but the Flames went up 2-1 on Mikael Backlund’s 8th goal of the season.
The Wild had a few solid scoring chances in the third period, but again failed to score. The Flames added an insurance goal — a power play goal — when Mark Cammalerri flipped a puck past Niklas Backstrom.
Minnesota outshot Calgary 34-24, but Flames’ goalie Joey McDonald was a brick wall the Wild couldn’t find a way to break through.
Minnesota is 0-4-1 in its last five home games.
The Wild closes the regular season this week. They are tied with Columbus with 51 points, good for seventh place in the Western Conference playoff race.
Here is the remaining schedule for Minnesota.
Tuesday – Los Angeles – Xcel Energy Center
Friday – Edmonton – Xcel Energy Center
Saturday – Colorado – Pepsi Center
