Scouting the Playoff Race: Minnesota Wild
The Vegas Golden Knights are in a race to make the playoffs. One team that's a thorn in their side is the Minnesota Wild.
1. The Case for the Minnesota Wild
One thing the Minnesota Wild has going for them is their light schedule. Before their matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 30, the Wild will play against non-playoff opponents in five of their next six games. That includes a pair of games against both the Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues. Now that's light like a feather.
Although the schedule ramps up with teams like the Colorado Avalanche, the Golden Knights (again), and the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota's upcoming slate offers an opportunity to build momentum.
The Wild is also a relatively healthy team, with only defenseman Jared Spurgeon being on LTIR. With their forward depth led by Kirill Kaprizov, it's easy to see the Wild making a solid run to jump back into the playoff race. That means the Golden Knights must step up against the competition to avoid a potential collapse.
2. The Case Against the Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild aren't exactly known for playing clean hockey, with the fourth-highest penalty minutes in the NHL (764). That coincides with a disastrous penalty kill (28th in the NHL at 74.4%), which has haunted them this season. Not staying out of the penalty box can derail a season for a group like Minnesota, specifically in crunch time.
As mentioned, the Wild have an unforgiving gauntlet of games after March 30. The Golden Knights matchup at the end of March will start a stretch where Minnesota faces playoff teams in six of their last ten games. That includes a road trip starting April 7, where the Wild faces Colorado, Vegas, and Los Angeles. If Minnesota doesn't capitalize on their winnable games, they're toast.
3. Any Former Vegas Golden Knights on the Wild?
Vegas Golden Knights fans know about Marc-Andre Fleury, arguably the most famous member of the Minnesota Wild. The beloved goaltender has a goals-against average of 2.79 and a save percentage of .902 in 32 games played this season.
The Golden Knights will get two opportunities to see Flower in action this season, with one game on March 30 and another on April 12. While both games are crucial in the playoff race, they offer Golden Knights fans the chance to see the former Vezina winner one more time (or two).
4. The Verdict
While the Vegas Golden Knights have a tough stretch coming up themselves, their revamped lineup should make matters easier. Yes, the Minnesota Wild are playing well now and have an easy slate coming up. However, the Golden Knights are built to win now and should be fine.
Still, Golden Knights fans should keep an eye on the Wild. The table's set for them to make a run, specifically against non-playoff teams. But that's what will make the incoming stretch much more fun.
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