The Minnesota Wild lost home ice advantage in Game 5 of their first round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues Monday night. In the loss at home, the Wild blew a 2-1 lead, allowing four unanswered goals to lose 5-2. It was the second straight loss in the series by a 5-2 score, pushing Minnesota to the brink of elimination.

That prompted the surprising decision from Wild head coach Dean Evason to make a switch in net for Game 6 in St. Louis Thursday night.

Back up goalie Cam Talbot was spotted as the first net minder off the ice in the morning skate Thursday. He is expected to get the start in place of Marc-Andre Fleury. That's certainly a bold move from Evason with their season on the line.

Then again, the Wild are likely looking for a spark. Fleury has allowed 15 goals in the five games against the Blues so far.

The Wild made on of the biggest trades of the NHL season at the deadline, acquiring former champion Marc-Andre Fleury. He went 9-2-0 with a 2.74 goals against average and a .910 save percentage for Minnesota down the stretch. Prior to the trade, Talbot was having an excellent season in net for the Wild.

He was 32-12-4 with a 2.77 GAA and .911 save percentage. So, it's not like Minnesota is turning an unproven youngster. He is a nine-year veteran who is 15-15 during his post season career with a very solid 2.45 GAA, including six shutouts. Minnesota hopes he can continue where he led off earlier this season. Otherwise, it's another early exit for the Wild.