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Minnesota Wild Season Again in Doubt, Response Required

May 5, 2015, 1:18 PM ET [154 Comments]
Tony Dean
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WildHBcommunity:The Minnesota Wild Season Again in Doubt Response Required



The Wild Down 2-0 Response is Required Now

I think all involved here in the 'State of Hockey' have that pit of the stomach feeling of dread that we are on the verge of a third straight year of elimination at the hands of Chicago. I have not wavered in my faith and confidence in the group for the Minnesota Wild, we just know how little room for error there is facing the Blackhawks in pursuit of Lord Stanley's Cup. Through two games this series the Wild has used up about all of their opportunity for error.

For the Wild to get back in this series they will need to see a return of their 200 foot game and that will require every skater on the ice to participate in all three zones. The Blackhawks have used two brutal games by Ryan Suter to their advantage. Having you leader on the blue line falter so mightily against the Blackhawks elite level offensive players has really snowballed for this squad.



Tonight it will be a damn shame if the Wild doesn't hit the ice passionate and focused to defend their home ice and dig out of the hole they created by two lack luster effort and focus games at the United Center. In reality the Wild truly must win back to back games here to take control of this series because as we have seen the past two post seasons, the Blackhawks are always just an inch or two away from cashing in on the scoreboard whether it is a bad pass or bounce off a stanchion.

The difference this series and this year really versus the Blackhawks sure appeared to be Devan Dubnyk, bu that has not yet been the strength that pushes the Wild past Chicago. Dubnyk certainly does not deserve the lion share of blame for Game One or Two, but now with their back against the wall the Wild will need their netminder to be the difference maker he was on arrival from the Coyotes.



It appears as though Chris Stewart will be out of the lineup tonight, his replacement looks to be speedster Jordan Schroeder who has proven capable of adding a spark and using his aggressiveness and skating to create opportunities. Schroeder will lineup to start tonight on the Kaptain Koivu line with Nino Niederreiter. Also it appears Ryan Carter could be back in the lineup tonight in for Matt Cooke on the 4th line.

Wild bench boss Mike Yeo will be looking to infuse some energy and effort to his lineup because a let down on home ice would be a devastating blow from an opponent that has proven time and again they have the killer instinct to win the cup every year. The Blackhawks looked vulnerable into the playoffs this year and that just has not been the case.

I think everyone viewed Nashville as a sinking ship and the most favorable first round matchup. The Blackhawks are going so well right now, they must feel like they have the ability beat anyone going forward considering how they have cooled off the Wild here so far in the series.



Tonight the Wild MUST beat Corey Crawford early and often, getting the crowd involved and shaking his confidence is a huge key to making it past the Blackhawks. The Wild is going to come out of the dressing room looking to make a statement and if they are able to chase Crawford out tonight, I think they will earn a foot hold in this series.




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Just My Take,
Tony Dean




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