The Minnesota Wild snapped their 5v5 goalless drought as Marcus Johansson picked up his first goal of the season late in the second period. For one shift, the Wild had tied the Washington Capitals (thanks to the play of Filip Gustavsson). However, on the very next shift Aliaksei Protas scored to make it 2-1. Three more goals by Washington in the third period turned a game that was close on the scoreboard into the 5-1 blowout that represented what was happening on the ice.
Brock Faber labeled the Wild’s effort as “unacceptable”. Marcus Foligno labeled their play “lackadaisical”. And coach John Hynes told reporters,
All over the ice, we weren’t at a level, I would say, from a speed perspective and a competitive perspective to give ourselves a chance to win.”
The Caps dominated play pretty much all night long as they outchanced the Wild 34-14, with a 17-5 edge in high-danger shots. Gustavsson kept things close through two periods, allowing just two goals despite facing 21 shots.
The good news is that the Wild don’t have long to dwell on the loss as they are right back on the ice tonight to face the Philadelphia Flyers (1-2-1). Expect Jesper Wallstedt to get the start. Expect Hynes to keep mixing and matching the lines to find the right combination. Zach Bogosian didn’t play in the third period, so there is a chance that Daemon Hunt cycles in, or that the Wild recall the recently demoted David Jiricek if Bogosian can’t go tonight.
Game #6 Minnesota Wild (2-3-0) at Philadelphia Flyers (1-2-1)
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia
TIme: 6:00 PM CST
TV/Stream: FDSNNO, NBCSP, FDSNWI, ESPN+
Opposing Point of View: Broad Street Buzz