Preview: Canadiens vs Wild
Tonight, a rested Minnesota Wild team will face off against the Montreal Canadiens who have lost 3 of their last 4 games.
The Habs beat the Wild 4-1 on November 8th in a game where one of their most famous defensemen, Guy Lapointe, was honored. The Wild will try to even the season series tonight but will have to do so without the services of Ryan Suter. This news comes as a great disappointment considering the return of Jonas Brodin last week and Jared Spurgeon the week prior.
In order to beat the Habs tonight, the Wild will not only have to find ways to beat goaltender Carey Price, they will have to be very strong defensively to slow down the speedy Habs. Brodin, Spurgeon, and Marco Scandella will have to be on top of their game tonight if they want to come away two points ahead. The Canadiens haven’t played at home since November 20th which works in favor for the Wild team who need to start a new winning streak to sneak back in to the playoff race. The playoff race discussion may be a bit premature, but the conversation needs to start sooner than later, the West is stacked this year as only 4 teams in the Conference have a record below the .500 mark.
Nov 20, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Jason Zucker (16) celebrates his goal late in the third period with teammates left wing Thomas Vanek (26) and center Charlie Coyle (3) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Wild defeated the Flyers, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Historically, the Wild have had their share of trouble against the Habs as they have posted an all time record of 5-6-3 against them, 3-2-1 at the X. The Wild recalled Christian Folin yesterday and Michael Russo, of the Star Tribune, reported that Folin was seen skating with Brodin. Assuming Spurgeon and Scandella are the top pairing, that likely leaves Keith Ballard and Nate Prosser on the third pairing.
Here are my three bold predictions for tonight’s game:
1. If the Wild are to win tonight, Darcy Kuemper will have to be the number 1 star of the game. We have seen what Kuemper can do when he is hot, unfortunately, we have seen what he can be when he is having an off night, which has been happening way too much lately. If Kuemper can pull out a performance like he did in Dallas or in Philadelphia, the Wild will be able to win this matchup. I have a feeling that it will be a 3-2, or 2-1 type of game. But at this point, nothing surprises me anymore.
2. If the Wild have a lead going into the third period, they will not blow it. I think by now the Wild should now how to hold on to a late lead and know how NOT to blow it. Don’t take stupid third period penalties…cough cough….Nate Prosser, and don’t give up 2-1 breaks. If the Wild can hold off a late rally, they will be fine.
3. Charlie Coyle will record at least 2 points tonight. I love watching Coyle play, the more I watch him the more I appreciate what he brings to the team. He has been very effective against the boards and behind the net with the puck and has played well with everyone he is paired with. If he can start knocking in a few more goals, that will take a lot of pressure off the top line. He and Nino Niederreiter will be everywhere tonight and I think the Habs will have a tough time stopping them and their big bodies. I think Coyle has a big night tonight.