Obligatory link: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6849751/2025/12/01/minnesota-wild-turnaround-kaprizov-eriksson-ek-defense/
Why did the Wild's fortunes flip around so much? They go through a series of points, including:
The Wild’s penalty kill finished the month on a 35-for-38 (92.1 percent) stretch.
In October, the Wild killed 60 percent of their penalties (32nd). In November, they killed 91.9 percent (third). In October, their combined special teams were 89.2 percent (29th), and that was with a 29.2 percent power play (fourth-best in the NHL). In November, their combined special teams was 110.5 percent (third), with a power play that had slipped to 18.6 percent in the month (12th).
“It’s just kind of clicking,” said Middleton. “We’re rolling with it. Everyone’s reading well off each other. We’re not ever in high-panic situations and thank God when we are, the goalies have been a huge part of that success. So it’s all working right now.”
Added Sturm, “I definitely think finding some stability with pairs and stuff is important. That’s what you’re going to have when you go into playoffs that you have your partner that you know. Everybody’s tendencies are a little bit different, whether they like to anticipate or not anticipate. I think draws have been pretty good overall in the D zone and penalty kill opening draws. That helps a lot if you can get the puck all the way down the ice for 20 seconds. So, structure’s been good.
Additional thoughts from me…the power play cooling off coincides with the return of Zuccarello to the quarterback position. (LOL if you think Buium is the QB)
Zeev also rejoined the power play recently and it did not fix anything. If Zuccarello is going to stay up there, I think they have to flip Buium with Spurgeon or Faber because neither unit is doing much. The second unit was doing its damage when Zeev and Faber manned the points. Give the top unit a RHS, and let Buium actually run the second unit because he is either deferring subconsciously or consciously to Zuccarello.
Speaking of Zuccarello, both Russo and a vast majority of the sub are in favor of handing him a one-year extension. I heartily disagree. His line's XGF are the bottom of the team with either Rossi or Yurov. Sure, Kaprizov can convert a chance into a goal a lot easier than many in this league, but Zuccy is not getting younger, faster, or better. If the line(s) turn it around, you can mark this down as small-sample-size lunacy.
I'm not saying no, I'm saying wait.
6 comments
Agree with everything you said here. Bravo.
Some good insights.
Looking forward to reading this
Faber yes, Spurg no on the PP. Would rather have Buium than Spurg. Would really rather have a more conservative Buium that doesn’t try to skate through 3 defenders and then lose the puck. 2 is okay. He needs more discipline on the PP.
I think going back to Buium-Faber both on PP2 would be interesting. It seemed to work well for their chemistry
Their player most willing to make aggressive moves in OT is Faber. Their highest scoring defenseman is Faber. My vote for PP1 QB is? (Obvious)