The Minnesota Wild are looking to turn their luck around in their second round series against the Colorado Avalanche. Thus far, it has been all Avalanche through two games, as they have outscored the Wild 14-8. Even the goaltending change from Jesper Wallstedt to Filip Gustavsson couldn't help Minnesota, as Colorado is just a dangerous team. But, maybe their luck will change on home ice.
The Wild have had luck at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, with the team picking up two victories, including a Game 4 overtime winning goal by Matt Boldy, and Game 6, where the Wild clinched their first round series against the Dallas Stars. Maybe the home crowd can help propel the Wild back into the win column in this series against the Avalanche.
While speaking with reporters on Friday, forward Nick Foligno said he is looking forward to the home crowd for Game 3, considering it will be their first second round series since 2015.
"You can feel the buzz in the city"
— x - Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) May 8, 2026
Nick Foligno talks about playing in front of the fans at home in today's media availability » https://t.co/qkIPkhkbxZ pic.twitter.com/CK9xDeWMgF
"It's been a long time since we've had a second round game in the city. So I think everyone's excited about that," said Foligno. "We obviously had a few days here to reset and get ready for a big push the rest of the series here. I'm excited just to see our fanbase and how excited they are, energized they are. You can feel the buzz in the city and it's exciting. We want to get to our game and it's great to be able to do it, hopefully, in front of our fans."
Nick Foligno hyped about energy Wild fans in St. Paul can bring for Game 3
If anyone remembers the reactions for Games 4 and 6, they know how loud Wild fans can get inside their home arena for playoff hockey. Maybe they can help provide the Wild with some extra motivation.
There may very well be some reinforcements on the way for the Wild. Joel Eriksson Ek, who hasn't played in either Games 1 and 2 due to a lower body injury, was practicing with the team on Friday. Head coach John Hynes revealed that Eriksson Ek is a game-time decision for Saturday night's game, and that the decision will ultimately be up to the center if he's good to go.
It's currently known who will start in net for the Wild. Wallstedt surrendered eight goals on 42 shots faced in Game 1, then was subsequently benched for Gustavsson, who surrendered four goals on 22 shots in Game 2. Hynes said he made his mind up for the starting goalie on Friday, but would not announce it until before Game 3.
Maybe home ice can help out the Wild. Foligno is certainly looking forward to it.
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