Minnesota Wild: Game 4 Recap and Observations

The Minnesota Wild finally broke through for two goals against goalie Jake Allen for their first win in the series.

1st Period

Pros:

-Solid defense early on for the Minnesota Wild, out shot the Blues 10-1 early.

-Took the crowd at Scottrade Center out of the game early.

-Coyle’s goal gave the team their first lead in the series with 3:10 left in the period. It was important in the game to make the Blues actually have to press for a goal.

-A little puck luck as the goal post helped Devan Dubnyk keep his shutout bid alive.

Cons:

–Jake Allen still appears on his game. The lone the goal the Wild scored came when the goalie was out of the net.

Summary:

A strong opening period saw the Wild capitalize on a rare Allen mistake to take their first lead of the series.

2nd Period

Pros:

-Dubnyk continues his solid play as the Blues start to ramp up the shots against.

-The Wild send pucks and bodies toward the net in an effort to get a bounce.

-Drew back to back penalties to take back momentum after St. Louis started to press.

-Hanzal goal with 3:19 left in the period gives the team some breathing room,

Cons:

-Blues had the better of the play early.

-St. Louis closed the shot gap.

-Team did not take advantage of either power play opportunity in this period.

Summary:

The Minnesota Wild weathered the storm in the second period. Devan Dubnyk looked like he was dialed in and on top of his game. They even managed to add to their lead and allow themselves some breathing room.

3rd Period

Pros:

-Played a defensive period designed to keep a 2 goal lead without giving up a goal.

-Zucker made a nice play to save a nice chance late in the period.

-Staal had a chance alone in front of Allen and the goalie made a nice stop,

-Able to consistently clear the zone and were inches away from scoring a goal with an empty net for the Blues.

Cons:

-Gave up a power play early in the period.

-Bad play by Parise gave up a chance with 9:42 left in the period.

Next: Minnesota Wild: Learning From the Past 4 Years

Summary:

The Minnesota Wild finally get rewarded for their superior play in this series. They controlled the play throughout the game and Devan Dubnyk was spectacular. Game 5 will be played on Saturday in St. Paul.