The comeback effort fell short last night proving that to win consistently, especially against good teams you need to stop chasing the game.
Over the last several contests the Wild had not had to do that as much but in the end that is not a formula for winning hockey games. Neither is a subpar penalty kill and powerplay.
Last night the Wild had nearly a full two minute 2-man advantage and failed to generate a legit scoring chance. They passed the puck around the perimeter and looked for cross ice openings. Not sure who is designing those looks but even in a two man short situation teams can cover cross ice passes with ease and goalies can move and get set for those shots.
Some positives to take from the game for sure the team did not play terribly, they just were not on top of their game and Vegas brought far more energy throughout. Back to back games and travel are always used as excuses when a team either loses or comes out with a less than spectacular effort.
Next up the Kraken in Seattle tomorrow night as the Wild wrap up their three game road trip. Some payback will be on the minds of the Wild players and a bit healthier team than the one that lost their initial tilt in Seattle two weeks ago...