The Wild played well enough in Florida to come away with no points. It isn't about moral victories with this Wild team.
Remember this is a team that is supposed to compete atop the NHL. So a close game in Tampa means nothing.
With just over 3 minutes to play in a 0-0 game, one needs to question why the line of Koivu, Granlung and Foligno is on the ice? The next question is how did they get caught on out on the ice for an extended shift?
Foligno was able to get off the ice prior to the deciding goal being scored but not in enough time for Zucker to be a factor in the play.
It is easy to play Monday morning quarterback in these types of situations, but in most other close games Boudreau will elect to go with Zucker in place of Foligno on the Koivu Granlund line.
Another observation was the play of Tyler Ennis, particularly on the PP. He was a factor most of the night, although he did not obviously end up the scoresheet. When the Wild got a late PP, Ennis was on the bench and did not see the ice after that. Yet Foligno somehow makes a regular appearance despite his lack of speed and propensity for turning over the puck.
Bruce Boudreau is one of the league's best coaches, there is very little question about that fact. But where does he take his share of responsibility as to why his team has either had the lead or been tied in 10 games this season that the Wild have failed to garner even a single point.
The calendar is about to change to 2018 and we all know the games will get that much more competitive. This Wild team better figure out how to win the close games or they will not even see the post season.
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