The Iowa Wild hosted the Grand Rapids Griffins, the affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, in Des Moines on Feb. 14. The Wild fell short of a comeback, losing 3-4 in overtime. The wild are now sitting in sixth place of the Central Division in the AHL as of Mar. 12.

Defenseman Carson Lambos said even though the game resulted in a loss, there were still some positives.

“I thought our penalty kill was pretty good,” he said. “We were on the kill eight times, scored on one so, it’s something that we can be proud about. We were physical. We battled hard, but the game came down to a bounce at the end.”

Lambos also said the crowd was really enjoying the physicality from the game.

“We got a boost from the crowd,” said Lambos. “There [were] fights and some big hits. We know they react to that so that’s awesome from them.”

There were multiple fights with the players involved receiving five to ten minute major penalties, and forward Nico Blachman getting 22 penalty minutes – two for roughing, 10 for the aggressor, and another 10 for unsportsmanlike conduct – along with an ejection. Cameron Crotty also got ejected for fighting.

“I think it was good,” said Lambos. “It was a physical game and there’s some rough stuff and extra stuff going on, so I think that gets us engaged in the game and brings the energy up on the bench and the guys are pulling for each other.”

Despite the loss, Lambos said that they were focused on the day ahead, when they would rematch the Griffins.

“Just reset,” Lambos said. “Take a deep breath and come ready tomorrow to play hard – be emotionally into the game.”

The following night on Feb. 15, Iowa took the win back, winning 3-2. Iowa plays their next home game against the Manitoba Moose, the affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, on March 15 at 6 p.m.