In their somewhat bumpy start to the season, the one thing that Minnesota was kind of known for, a stringent defense, was lacking a bit. Following their opening night shutout against St. Louis, they allowed 4.23 goals per game over their next eleven games. Things have changed during their recent winning streak.
In the eight games they’ve played in November their goals against has dropped to 1.75 per game, and on a more impressive note, they haven’t allowed a 5v5 goal in their last four games. The last time an opponent beat a Minnesota goaltender at full strength was all the way back on November 7th in the Wild’s 5-2 win over the New York Islanders when Jean-Gabreil Pageau’s second-period goal eluded Jesper Wallstedt.
The team has been clamping down on chances against, especially higher danger chances. They’ve cut down on the inopportune turnovers and it’s allowed them to get their season back on track.
Team News
Did the Wild overpay Kaprizov. Mailbag Pt. 2 [The Athletic]
For at least the next two seasons, the answer is probably “yes”. At some point a free agent will eclipse his cap hit, but with Connor McDavid under contract it’s not likely to happen soon.
The story behind the hat [NHL]
A little context is provided for the Redwood Hat that has popped up in post-game photos. The team is embracing Bill Guerin’s message about trees and teammates.
November has been nice for the Wild [Minneapolis Star Tribune]
After a rough start to the season, the Wild have turned their season around.
NHL News
One player from each team making a case for the Olympics [The Athletic]
Matthew Schaefer getting the nod as the “young guy” on Team Canada over Bedard or Celebrini would be an interesting move.
Skattebo wears Rempe jersey [NHL]
A football player wears a hockey jersey at a wrestling event. The sports multiverses collide!
Alex Ovechkin sets yet another record [ESPN]
Yes, every goal is technically a new record, but he also eclipsed Gordie Howe’s record for most goals in a single venue. Ovechkin’s 903rd career goal was also his 442nd in Capital One Arena.
Minnesota Frost News
Rule Changes for the upcoming season [The Ice Garden]
There are some minor tweaks to the rule book as the PWHL heads into their third season with the biggest change coming to how video review works.
Previewing the PWHL’s opening night and story lines [The Hockey News]
The remade defense will be tested as the Frost attempt to defend their title.