Game 39 - Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild vs. Detroit Red Wings @ Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN (3/22/2014)

It seems it has become an annual tradition now for Ryan and I to go somewhere for a game or two while Taylor has her birthday party / sleep-over.  She certainly doesn't want her little brother hanging around and he certainly doesn't want to be at her party with 13 11-year-old girls....give him a few years :).  Therefore, my job is to take him out of town.  Last year we went to Dallas to see the Mavericks and Stars.  This year, we drove to Minneapolis / St. Paul to see the Minnesota Wild and visit the Mall of America.  This was our 2nd game in just 8 days, as Ryan and I got to see the Orlando Magic the previous Friday night during our trip to Disney.  Unfortunately in Florida it was 80 degrees and in Minnesota it was 8.

An interesting stat about this game....although it was just the 39th (out of 122 needed) game on my tour, I have officially seen more than 50% (62 out of 122) of the teams when you count both home and away teams at the venues I have visited. 

Xcel Energy is a very nice arena if you are not afraid of heights.

Normally being in the upper level does not bother me, but this was the steepest arena I've been to yet and I was a bit nervous navigating the stairs.  The picture on the right kind of shows you what I mean about steep as that is Ryan a few steps ahead of me.  Needless to say, the view of the ice was great even from these seats.  The rest of the arena was extremely clean, well designed and easy to navigate.  I felt parking was a bit of a challenge for a first-timer.  There is a very large parking structure across the street that was convenient....once you found it.

Ryan and I spent a great deal of time (as we usually do) walking around the venue taking in the various displays.  They claim Minnesota is the #1 hockey state.  I don't know if that is a fact, but this venue sure likes to show off their hockey legacy.  From historical displays to lots of jerseys from various local teams to the "Hockey Mom Hall of Fame."

One observation that Ryan made was that there was no Wild logo at center ice.  This was something I didn't even noticed, but after doing a little research, we discovered that shortly after our game, the Big 10 was playing their hockey championship at this venue (which was won by Wisconsin), therefore, there was a Big 10 logo at center ice.

As for the game, both teams were still battling for playoff position.  Minnesota scored first, but after two periods they found themselves down 2-1.  However, just 15 seconds into the 3rd period Minnesota scored on a penalty shot (first time I have witnessed one in person).  In the end, Detroit scored one more time in the 3rd to secure a 3-2 win.  Oh well, Ryan and I had a blast.  After the game, we went to the Mall of America, particularly so he could go to the huge Lego store.  A great time!

Unfortunately, it was the 3rd straight loss of the home teams in which I have watched.  Current record is 24-15 and another $5 to the Jimmy V Foundation.  Every little bit helps.

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