The Wild delivered a complete game win last night against an offensively challenged Senators team missing their most dynamic offensive player, Erik Karlsson. Nothing to get too giddy about but the signs that the team is returning to form are there.
Three straight games holding their opponents to 20 shots or less, with two of the three going to OT. The Wild protected Alex Stalock very well last night, giving him every opportunity to see the limited amount of shots that Ottawa was able to generate.
Stalock is not the answer between the pipes for the Wild. Devan Dubnyk holds the keys to the team's success in the playoffs, period end of discussion. That said Stalock gave the Wild a solid effort allowing Dubnyk to get the much needed rest for his mind as well as his body.
The grind of the condensed schedule has taken it's toll on the Wild and Dubnyk in particular. Darcy Kuemper has failed to give Bruce Boudreau any confidence that he can be reliable.
Joel Eriksson Ek looked very good in his return to the Wild and his presence in the lineup along with Stalock, gave the team an added jump. Eriksson Ek plays a very smart game, and yes it is only one game, but he appears to be a lot more confident in his play as well. Not that he wasn't in his brief nine game stint early in the season, but this time around he knows what to expect.
Chris Stewart playing on the top line with Eric Staal and Nino Niederreiter had another big game, showing his versatility, that he can play anywhere in the lineup and produce. Stewart is going to be counted on heavily in the playoffs, and his leadership should not be overlooked. He is committed to winning and that attitude needs to be infectious throughout the team in order for them to tap their full potential.
The speed game returned last night and the structure was there. Big game tomorrow afternoon in Nashville, let's see how the progression goes in a tough road game against a desperate Predators team.
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