Minnesota Wild: Not so Wild Sweep Through the East
Minnesota Wild: Not so Wild Sweep Through the East
Minnesota Wild: Not so Wild Sweep Through the East was two come from behind games to barely pull through with four points. The Wild are now 4 points closer to the first Wild card spot than they were before Thursday. However, they can’t seem to hold a lead. show up in the second period or show up on the PK.
Hold a Lead
The Wild were ahead of the Avalanche 3-1 going into the second period Tuesday night. Going into the third the Avs had tied the game 3-3 and it looked like the Wild were going to crumble. They ended up winning but still tested fans patience. Then game this afternoons game after barely beating the dead last leafs on Thursday. We took the 1-0 lead going into the second period and again blew the lead and were down 2-1 going into the 3rd. Mikko Koivu tied it up at 2 and we ended up barely winning in a SO. Despite pulling it together on Tueday and again today the Wild can’t expect to make a deep playoff run blowing leads multiple games a week. Especially against Central Division teams.
Show up in the Second Period
The past three games the Wild have either been scoreless or winning. Tuesday night against the Avalanche the Wild had a 3-1 lead, until the Avs capitalized on multiple opportunities tying the game at 3 apiece going into the third. Thursday night the Wild were scoreless against the Toronto Maple Leafs going into the second period, and went down 1-0 going into the third. Finally, today the Wild had a 1-0 lead against the Buffalo Sabres going into the second period, blew it and were down 2-1 going into the third. This cannot continue into the playoffs.
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Show up on the PK
The Wild’s PK is a measly 28th in the NHL at 75.8%. To make matters even worse the Wild have given up 8 PPG against in the last 13 chances and 16 of last 46.
Next: Minnesota Wild: Playoff Chances one Step Closer
Despite a not so Wild sweep through the east the Wild did come home with 4 points which is a success in some aspects. For example, The Wild are slowly but surely widening the gap between them and the Avalanche. Although a second wild card spot isn’t ideal since we would play the Hawks if the playoffs started today, a playoff spot is a playoff spot. Anything can happen especially when one team is hot while the other is struggling at the end of the season. The standings are as follows:
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The Wild can make the playoffs and even reach 90 points this season if they continue to win. However, the issues addressed in this article if they want to make a deep playoff run and ultimately be cup contenders.