Despite a still-depleted lineup and losing four of the last five, the Minnesota Wild's 3-1 victory in Denver over the Colorado Avalanche certainly could be a big factor in getting the Wild back on track going forward. A combination of sound defense, outstanding goaltending, and goals from less-expected places sent the Wild back to Minnesota on a positive note. With so few teams that approach the disdain Wild fans hold for Colorado, taking the Monday matinee was a thing of beauty. So in celebration, I submit the following for your entertainment...
Give Me Five (Winning Points)
The Wild penalty kill units were up to the task in Denver, stopping all three of the Avs' opportunities. Ranked 30th in the NHL (hovering around 70%) and on the road, this effort cannot go unnoticed. Fleury only faced three total shots on goal while being a man down, and the penalty kill units looked organized and active throughout the game. Granted, the Avs power play isn’t setting the world on fire (they are a tick above 21%), but this effort on the road against one of the NHL’s premiere teams is something to be excited about going forward.
Mikko Rantanen looked like a bitter little boy at the conclusion of the game, shouting and pretending to try to come at beloved Wild defenseman Jacob Middleton. The best part was 22-year-old Brock Faber smiling and laughing at it all. Mikko… go to the locker room. You and the Avs pretty much got dominated and it was a joy to watch you come up empty on the score sheet.
David Jiricek’s assist on Yakov Trenin’s third-period goal was a masterpiece. Taking it off the wall and displaying excellent stick handling, Jiricek was able to elude two defenders and draw a third before putting it on Trenin’s stick for a goal that put the Wild back up 2-1. Jiricek has shown poise and promise since being called up to Minnesota after a stretch in Iowa after the Wild acquired him in a trade back in November. At age 21, Jiricek seemingly has an enormous upside, but the inconsistency he faced with the Blue Jackets was undoubtedly slowing his progress. The Wild gave up a considerable amount of draft capital to acquire a player who faced confidence issues, but efforts of this sort certainly make the risk Guerin took to get him worth the price.
Liam Ohgren may have had his best game as a member of the Minnesota Wild, chipping in two assists while posting a +3 during the winning effort, especially when you look at the lack of production from the young winger at the NHL level this season. Coming off a game where he posted a -4 a few nights earlier, Ohgren looked confident on the ice all night. After being sent down to Iowa after early season struggles, Liam played nearly a point per game hockey, which appears to have perhaps set him up for greater success this time around in the NHL. I am of the opinion that he would not have been able to bounce back from a -4 to contribute the way he did in Denver earlier in the season.
If someone had told me the Wild’s top line (Boldy/Zuccarello/Rossi) wouldn’t put up a point and still come away with a win, I would have laughed and then called the police to report a mental health crisis. Getting a win in Denver when in this fashion, especially after dropping four of the last five, is enormous. Left searching for answers after being dominated by the Predators a few nights ago, several Wild players stepped up in this one. Marc-Andre Fleury was stellar in goal, Jacob Middleton turned in an inspired performance at both ends, and the guys on the ice that stifled the Avs during their 6-on-5 were exceptional. Heck… Even Jon Merrill was solid tonight… and it takes a lot for me to say anything nice about Merrill (except of course when I speak of his sweet mustache). Beautiful team win.
Jacob Middleton’s Eternal Search For Hockey Excellence
As many of you who have read my column before already know, there hasn't been a member of the Minnesota Wild Hockey Club who has seen my view on them change more than Jacob Middleton. I have gone from losing almost any faith in him to pretty much thinking that I need to petition the local government in my community to change my son’s name to Jacob Middleton Plagge. My views on Mitzy are fluid, and I like to take some time to reflect on those after each game and reanalyze his standing in my Inner Circle of Minnesota Hockey Excellence and Trustworthiness. I am proud to say that after a performance like tonight’s I am awarding Middleton a key to the executive washroom and will be extending his lease in the circle for the rest of the season. I feel confident in doing this as Middleton has built up some extra capital up to this point with his play.
Biggest Question For Next Game
With a couple of days rest, does Marc-Andre Fleury get another game in net when Utah comes into St. Paul, even if Filip Gustavsson is available?
Five Predictions (1/23/25 v. Utah Hockey Club)
So… my once stellar prediction record now sits at 31-24, which isn’t overwhelming by any means. This is a far cry from my near induction into the North American Predictors Makers Hall of Fame… Oh well, here’s to the pendulum swinging the other with my five predictions for the Wild’s upcoming game at home against Utah.
Prediction #1: The Wild ride the momentum of their big win in Denver to get a big home win on Thursday.
Prediction #2: The top line (Boldy/Zuccarello/Rossi) brush off their lack of production versus the Avs and get on the score sheet against Utah.
Prediction #3: One of my least favorite current players, Jack McBain, does not contribute a point against the Wild.
Prediction #4 (The Give-Me): Head Coach John Hynes spends the lion’s share of the game without displaying any sign of emotion.
Prediction #5: Brock Faber spends over 26 minutes on the ice for the game.
Non-Hockey Announcement For General Entertainment
With the inauguration and beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States, he joins Grover Cleveland as the only two presidents to serve non-consecutive terms.