Minnesota Wild Finishes 2015 Preseason at 4-2

The Minnesota Wild wrapped up preseason play on Thursday, October 1st by defeating the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 6-1. The Wild avenged a previous loss to the Sabres, who they opened up the 2015 NHL preseason against, with a 6-1 on Thursday night.

Mikko Koivu had three assists for the Wild, collecting the first star of the game for the team. The Wild had goals from, Zach Parise, Jason Zucker, Tyler Groavac, Nino Niederrieter, Zac Dalpe, and Thomas Vanek.

Although the offense was sensational, the defense is what stole the show for the Wild on Thursday night. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk only faced 11 shots, with Minnesota out shooting the Sabres 42-11.

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Everything seemed to be clicking on all cylinders for the Wild, even though the Sabres had scratched most of there usual starters, including rookie sensation Jack Eichel.

The Wild’s four preseason wins came against the Winnipeg Jets (twice), the Columbus Blue Jackets, with the Sabres being their fourth and final win on Thursday. The two losses were sustained from the Edmonton Oilers, and the Sabres as previously mentioned.

The Wild now will set their sights on the Colorado Avalanche for the season opener, next Thursday October 8th. A huge rivalry, this game will be played on prime time television (NBC) at 9 P.M. eastern time. The Wild enjoyed a 4-1 record against the Avalanche last season, which included a 2-0 record in Colorado.

Looking at the first part of the Wild’s 2015 regular season schedule you will notice that it braces teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, St Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, and the Los Angeles Kings through the teams first 11 games.

A strong start is needed, but from what we have seen in the preseason, Minnesota seems to be firing on all cylinders. This first 11 games of the season, could set the stage for the prospects of a post season run.

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