Period One
The first period was all Minnesota. They were hard on pucks, competed in the dirty areas, and came out with pucks developing strong scoring chances.
The newly formed “GREEF” line was great in the first frame. Talk about a tough line to play against. Coming in with an average height of 6’3in and weight of 221lbs. The “GREEF” line plays old school dump and chase, letting defenders go into their corner to retrieve the puck before being plastered by a paint can like Harry in Home Alone.
All four lines were clicking for Minnesota in the first period. The 4th line was exceptional on the puck and Ryan Donato looked great. It’s fun to see him in the lineup and watch the energy he can bring into a game.
The second line isn’t exactly “new.” I believe Boudreau has had that line out before, but I may be wrong. Kunin looked good up the middle, and the speed on the outside was a great compliment on that line. Moving forward I would like to see that line stay intact.
The Wild fired a barrage of shots in the first period but were unable to get a puck past Corey Crawford. The Wild outshot Chicago 12-4 in the first period.