All eyes are on the State of Hockey for Super Bowl LII at US Bank Stadium later today. The festivities surrounding the event have been spectacular and the #boldnorth has shown through loud and proud.
Super Bowl Live at Nicollet Mall has been amazing and yesterday with the snow falling it was picturesque Minnesota.
The State of Hockey should be proud of themselves and the Super Bowl committee for a job well done.
Now on to the Wild who after a couple of strong performances came out entirely flat again on the road. This has been the story of the Wild all season long and by listening to Boudreau after the game we should not expect much different the rest of the season.
Boudreau seemed to have no answer for why his team continues to struggle on the road and in several of these recent losses they are not even competitive. How can a team be so confident at home, yet a a goal or two against on the road and their heads and shoulders droop?
The interesting thing is that to a man after last night's loss, they all pointed to turnovers as the source of the problem.
Funny this is a veteran team and the additions of Foligno, Ennis, Cullen, and Winnik were going to help push this team over the hump. So correct me if I am wrong, but the reason why young players are held back to mature to become more complete players and und erstand the NHL game and the speed at which it is played. But if this veteran laden team can't play consistently and hold each other accountable to play the game smart and protect the puck better, it does not say much for how this team was constructed nor the leadership of the Wild.
We have said it for a while, but the Wild need to be better on the road, and more consistent altogether. But it all starts at the top and Bruce Boudreau needs to be better, and his staff must make marked improvements with how they prepare this team daily.
It must be an everyday activity because it is obvious this team cannot be left to do it themselves. They need to be made uncomfortable, so that they come to work everyday with something to prove. You would think that they would with the past five seasons of early playoff exits, but that is certainly not the case.
Boudreau has to be frustrated beyond belief because this team is talented, but their compete level is a huge question mark.
Super Bowl predictions?
Mine: Eagles 33-17
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