Wild Game Day number 40 Wild Record (25-9-5 55 pts) Home Record (13-4-0)
Opponent: Montreal Canadiens (26-10-6 58 pts) Home Record (11-6-4)
Site: Xcel Energy Center, St Paul, Minnesota
Time: 7:00PM CT
TV: NBC Sports (NBCSN)
Last Season Results: 12/22 Canadiens 1 @ Wild 2 3/12 Wild 4 @ Canadiens 1
Last result: 12/22 Wild 4 @ Canadiens 2
Round two Price vs Dubnyk will take center stage tonight as the Wild return to action following three days off. The game will once again be broadcast nationally on NBCSN which will mean an overdose of Price/Dubnyk. The truth is these teams are more than just their All-Star netminders.
The first matchup went to the Wild just before Christmas in the Bell Centre 4-2. Montreal played and won last night 7-4 in Winnipeg so a lot will be made of the back to back for the Canadiens, while the Wild have had three days off following their 2-0-1 California road trip. So what gives fresh legs or game legs. It doesn't matter the team that wins is the team that is best prepared.
It should be a fun game for sure, two of the NHL's best teams going head to head in a great hockey building. Montreal fans are always well represented on the road, especially here in the State of Hockey, so should be a dandy.
The Wild will need to keep the game plan simple as Bruce Boudreau and staff have been preaching. Strong on the puck, great team defense and stay out of the run and gun game. The did that effectively in Anaheim, and expect more of the same tonight against the Canadiens.
The Blackhawks keep winning as the Wild sit idol and the games in hand accumulate for Minnesota. The number is 5 games in hand but just four points in the standings. Chicago is off tonight, so a chance to cut the lead to two, with the big matchup coming up on Sunday in the Windy City. But that is a couple of games away, the task at hand is to get two points tonight at home before heading back out on the road for Saturday and Sunday.
Let's Play Hockey!