Wolves lose 'Big Buff' for season, get shutout

THUNDER BAY, ON, Canada-The Timberwolves returned home one night after playing in Germany. Then hopped right back on a plane for Sweden to play the Mooseheads on Wednesday night.

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"This travel schedule is a nightmare," said centre, Joe Pavelski. "At least we had our fans. But that was about all that made this feel like a home game. Get here in the late morning, get a little rest in a hotel close to the arena. No need to unpack at home since we're right back on the plane for Toronto, then back over the pond. This sucks!"

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The Timberwolves did not play the Calgary Chinook like a team that was ready to play. Although the players and coaching staff will not make excuses, anyone in the Canadian National Gardens on Tuesday night could see that they were physically and mentally tired.

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"At one point we had to honk the horn at Juice (Jussi Markkanen) because the period was over and I think he was asleep in goal and we had to clean the ice, eh," said Zamboni driver, Ted Danson. "I didn't know we had a horn, eh."

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Thunder Bay lost the game five-to-zero in front of their faithful fans. They were out worked and out played in every aspect of the game. But even more devestating than losing the game itself, the Wolves lost two more defensemen. Bryan Berard appears to have a mild concussion. He should be back in a few days. Dustin Byfuglien's injury was more severe. He went into boards skates first and will be out for the remainder of the season with a high ankle sprain. "We don't have the depth on the blueline to keep losing guys," said assistant coach, Mike Ramsey. "Keith (Ballard) was already out for this game. Buff (Byfuglien) had been developing every game this season. It's tough to lose a guy his size that can skate and move the puck around. It's unfortunate, but it's a part of the game. I'm sure he'll work his butt off in the summer."