Notes on Game 3

Minnesota dominated Game 3.

In shots, 46 to 22.
In hits, 33 to 27.
I tried to find time on attack, but apparently NHL doesn't keep that stat anymore. Regardless, in every facet of the game, the Wild were better.

They scored a nifty goal in overtime to break the 0-0 tie and take game 3.

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What stings is not the loss, but the dirty play by Matt Cooke. His deliberate knee-on-knee hit has ended the season of the person I described as "the most clutch player on the Avalanche," Tyson Barrie. It's being reported as an MCL injury that will sideline Barrie for 4-6 weeks. In the seconds after the hit, Barrie said "I'm done" and went directly to the locker room.

Cooke will be suspended. But I don't care. They can suspend him for a game or a year, it doesn't bring Barrie back for the playoffs.

If you want to read the bitter Avs reporter talk about Matt Cooke's history you can do that here. 
If you want to read the Wild reporter call Cooke a cheap shot artist in 2013 you can do that here. 

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I recognize this could be a turning point. If you believe in momentum, the Wild could build on last night and take the series in 6. Or the Avs can fight back and take it in 5.

I'm optimistic that Roy is fired up and will get his team ready to win and end the season for the entire Minnesota Wild team, the old-fashioned way.