Minnesota Wild: Lost Game to Tyler Bozak in Less Than 30 Seconds
By Cody Defoe
Wednesday Night’s Minnesota Wild game in Des Moines, IA didn’t finish how fans would have liked, but there are some strong takeaways after preseason game 2.
The Minnesota Wild had everything right where they wanted it. 2 quick goals in the first period had the Wild in front, and their shut down defense and strong goaltending held that lead for the better part of 40 minutes.
The wheels fell off late in the game, and a 2-1 Wild lead was quickly changed into a 3-2 Wild deficit and eventually a loss. The late game rally came up short and we are left with another questionable loss.
I’m going to try something new here with you through the preseason, so let me know your thoughts and feedback if this is something you want me to continue into the regular season or if there are ways you think I could change or improve my format.
After every Minnesota Wild game I’m going to give my Top 3 Wild Performers of the game, and an honorary mention to the top performer of our opponent.
The Wild top line of Jason Zucker, Eric Staal, and Mikael Granlund took some time to get their legs under them, but seemed to be finding that chemistry again as the game went on.
I mentioned in my pregame preview that anything less than a multi-point night for this line would be a disappointment, and I stand by that. However, it is only preseason and I can understand them allowing the younger players a chance to shine.
The Penalty Kill continues to look good in the preseason, going 2 for 2 on the night tonight. Marcus Foligno and Eric Fehr continued their dominance when down a man, and AHL penalty killer Colton Beck also got to show up for the Iowa fans.
Beck and Gerald Mayhew were late additions to the gameday roster. Mike Liambas and Landon Ferraro were expected to be in action, but ended up scratched for the game.
The Wild powerplay could use a boost, as it has had no success so far in the preseason. 2 more failed chances in this game bring the unit to 0 for 6 in the preseason. Something needs to change before regular season, because that is unacceptable from the man advantage.