#14...Phoenix..."We're Gonna Stomp, All Night, In the Neighborhood..."

Finally; it only took 14 games, but last night's game was a COMPLETE 60 minute effort. Yes, the four power play goals was impressive, but I kept expecting the usual let down, whether it was after 1-0, 2-0, and even 3-0, but it never happened. Don't get me wrong, its not that I'm disappointed that there was no disappointment, but I guess the shock value hasn't worn off yet.
Marek Zidlicky has come alive, with 5 points in the past three games; he had two goals, both on the power play, and an assist that Andrew Brunette by surprise. Both of his goals came on absolute blasts, almost like he was trying to rip it through the back of the net; the secret to his streak over the past three games? His Wife and 5 year old son are now living with him in Minnesota. After both goals, he blew kisses into the crowd in their direction. Here's to many more...
Now, aside from Zidlicky's big night, there is no doubt that the obvious crowd pleaser was this:

While Wayne Gretzky was furious about Clutterbuck fighting with his visor on, the bucket popped off early into the bout (you can see Clutterbuck unsnapping it.)
Minnesota has now won 9 straight against Phoenix, a team record; that being said, Phoenix is awfully similar to Chicago in the sense that they are a very young team, but are so loaded with talented youth. By my count they have their last 5 first round picks playing, along with Keith Yandle (4th round, 2005) and Kevin Porter (4th round, 2004.) This is a team where a little bit of experience will go a long way, and with a solid goalie in Ilya Bryzgalov, its not far fetched to see Phoenix in the playoff chase come March and April.
And who would have thunk it? Jacques Lemaire giving Benoit Pouliot praise for working in his own end; Lemaire even drew a Mikko Koivu comparison.
Scary stuff indeed.