BIG AL's NHL AFTERNOON ANNIHILATION (573-391 RUN)!

At 2:35 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the Vancouver Canucks.  After firing on all cylinders in game one of this series and shutting out the Canucks 3-0, the Wild stumbled a bit in game two, falling 4-3.  The Wild dominated most of the third period, out-shooting the Canucks 16-8 in that final stanza and staged a furious rally that just fell short.  If Minnesota can continue where in left off in game two, it should be able to take an important 2-1 lead in this series after today.  The goalies haven't been confirmed for this match-up, but it's always possible that the Wild could turn to Devan Dubnyk after going with Alex Stalock in each of the first two. Eager to get his #1 net-minding job back after losing it this past winter when his wife had a medical emergency and he missed time, Dubnyk would be ready to go if called upon.  And It wouldn't hurt to turn to a veteran goalie who has something to prove -- with a bit of a chip on his shoulder -- come playoffs.  But regardless if it's Stalock or Dubnyk, we're taking Minnesota.  The Canucks are 14-26 (-9 games on the money line) off a one-goal win, while the Wild are 51-38 after giving up more than three goals.  And the Wild have controlled the play in this series this year, by out-shooting Vancouver in four of the five meetings.  The Wild should once again control play in the 5 x 5 action, and produce more scoring opportunities.  If they get better goal-tending play from Stalock (or Dubnyk) than they did on Tuesday, then they should win.  Take Minnesota.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie