The Minnesota Wild had another worrisome performance against the Boston Bruins, as they fell 6-3 to the mediocre Eastern Conference wild card team. And, as we are all aware, this comes after some disappointing losses earlier this month to non-playoff teams like the New York Rangers, and then playing way-too-tight games against anyone remotely close to them.
Essentially, it’s not the performances this month of a team who should be rolling into the playoffs as one of the top contenders. And after the game against the Bruins, they have a chance to potentially get some results on the board.
They next host the Canucks before then traveling to Ottawa to face the Senators next Saturday. Then off to Detroit before hosting the Kraken, and, well, so on and so on. While those aren’t the strongest teams, they are actually playing for something.
Only two of the Wild’s final eight games are against opponents who are truly out of the playoffs — the Canucks and the Blues. But every other opponent is either currently in a playoff spot or within two points of a playoff spot. They are going to be competitive games and that might not be exactly what the Wild need.
The silver lining is that if the Wild can handle teams like the Senators and Red Wings and Predators, who need every single point and will be playing playoff hockey before the playoffs, then they can be warmed up before their first round matchup.
We’ll just have to see if that actually happens or it’s the Wild losing way too many hockey games as they limp into the playoffs.
That’s Wild
On the bright side, Quinn Hughes’s game has never looked more complete. This isn’t a one-sided player concerned with only scoring points. [Hockey Wilderness]
Michael McCarron and Nick Foligno have given the Wild a new edge. [Hockey Wilderness]
Wild prospect Charlie Stramel breaks his ankle as Michigan State exit from the NCAA tournament. Not good! [StarTribune]
Off the trail…
Ranking the top Stanley Cup playoff bandwagons for fans of teams on the outside. [ESPN]
Bruce Cassidy was fired by the Vegas Golden Knights but apparently the “frayed” relationship between the coach and his players began last year during the series against the Oilers. [Oilers Nation]
Tight playoff races are remaining competitive down the season’s home stretch. [NHL.com]
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