Offense Stagnant and Backstrom Shaky In Wild Loss To Rangers

The Minnesota Wild continued to struggle away from Xcel Energy Center in a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Sunday night. The Wild are now 20-13-5 and are clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot over the Phoenix Coyotes by one point.

The Wild took a 1-0 lead on Jason Pominville's 17th goal of the season at 4:08 of the first period but it was all downhill from there.

Former Wild forward Benoit Pouliot scored the game-tying goal on a power play for New York at 16:08 to send the teams into the first intermission tied.

The Rangers overwhelmed the Wild in the second period, outshooting them 17-5 and outscoring Minnesota 2-0 in the frame.

New York would add one more goal in the third period for the 4-1 win. The Rangers outshot the Wild 36-25 in the game.

Minnesota is at Philadelphia Monday night.