The 2016-17 Minnesota Wild are in the midst of their finest statistical season to date, having racked up 80 points through 56 games with a plus 57 goal differential. But let's be honest, there have been games that they have walked away with two points that very well could have been no points or just a single point in the standings. Or like last night where the game was dominated for the most part by the home squad, only to be met at every turn mainly by, John Gibson and his stellar play in the Ducks net, or by an Anaheim defender protecting the front porch.

So Gibson and the Ducks got out of town with the two points, and the Wild were left to just shake their heads after coming up empty in the 1-0 loss.

Not to take anything away from the Ducks, they played a perfect road game and fought very hard for the well earned two points, Keep in mind that they closing out a very tough six game road trip which included the final two stops in Washington and of course St. Paul, facing the Eastern and Western Conference leaders.

In the over analyzing world of constant information and statistics, we tend to scrutinize each and every game like it is the end all of end all. Well in the grand scheme of things this is one game, where the positives for the Wild far outweighed the negatives. The same could not have been said about Sunday's contest with the Red Wings, where the Wild continually let the Wings back into the game with their sloppy play, before finally taking control and the eventual 6-3 win.

I heard a lot of complaining about Boudreau and his line juggling last night because nothing seemed to work to solve Gibson. The amateur coaching is just that, and there is a reason that the Wild are at the top of the Western Conference. That is the coaching staff, led by Bruce Boudreau, but just as important to Boudreau, are his assistants and staff, particularly, Scott Stevens, John Anderson, and Darby Hendrickson.

The Wild team is essentially the same team that has been here for the past three seasons. The major change is the voices behind the bench, the overall communication between coaches and players and the deep down belief that this group can thrive together. The coaching staff believes in the players which lends to each and every player to play the game confidently and to know exactly what their role is and what is expected of them.

It sounds all so simple but it isn't, because egos are involved. Both coaches egos and players egos. But it is amazing when you get a true hockey guy, that puts ego aside and rolls up his sleeves and says let's get after it together. That is what Bruce Boudreau has done in every city he has ever worked, and why his teams are highly successful.

Another key point about Bruce Boudreau coached teams is, not only are they successful, but more importantly they are highly entertaining to watch. And after all pro sports are entertainment and Bruce Boudreau is not only a great coach, but better yet his teams are great for the NHL as they look to continually promote the game of hockey.

Follow me on Twitter @dwallace17

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