The Minnesota Wild had an action-packed week, facing off against four teams on home ice amidst a swirling snowstorm. They kicked things off with a win against the Utah Mammoth but stumbled in the following games, falling to the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
However, there’s a silver lining: they began to find their rhythm towards the end, offering hope for a turnaround. With three games on the horizon, including a road trip and two home matchups, let's dive into the key storylines for the week of March 16 - March 23.
Depth Players Need to Step Up
While the Wild's top scorers have been pulling their weight, the recent loss to the Maple Leafs highlighted the importance of contributions from their depth players. Vladimir Tarasenko chipped in with two goals, showcasing the potential impact of secondary scoring.
As the postseason looms, players like Marcus Johansson, Danila Yurov, and Yakov Trenin must elevate their game. It’s crunch time, and the Wild need every player firing on all cylinders to secure those crucial wins and enter the playoffs with momentum.
Navigating a Slippery Slope
Dropping a game to a lower-ranked team can be shrugged off, but three consecutive losses raise eyebrows. Despite this skid, the Wild showed resilience in their last outing.
They battled back after an early deficit, displaying a fighting spirit that had been missing earlier in the week. While they didn’t clinch the victory, their relentless push was a promising sign.
To get back on track, they’ll need to start strong in their next game, but their late-game surge suggests they’re ready to turn the corner.
Upcoming Schedule: March 16 - March 23
- Tuesday, March 17 vs. Chicago Blackhawks, 6:30 PM CT, United Center Nick Foligno makes his return to Chicago, adding an emotional layer to the matchup.
- Thursday, March 19 vs. Chicago Blackhawks, 6:30 PM CT, Grand Casino Arena A home-and-home series with the Blackhawks offers a quick chance for redemption.
- Saturday, March 21 vs. Dallas Stars, 3:00 PM CT, Grand Casino Arena Facing their division rivals, the Wild will look to assert dominance and regain their footing.
The Wild are at a pivotal point in their season, and with the playoffs approaching, every game counts. Let’s see if they can harness their late-game energy and make a statement this week.