Yesterday's comeback by the Wild was just another installment of the 2021-22 Minnesota Wild. They have never felt they could not come back in a game they were down. The comeback in St. Louis serves an even bigger confidence builder for the Wild as they are almost assured to meet their Division Rivals from Missouri in the first round.
The point the Wild gained in the standings was enormous, as now the Wild control their own destiny on the way to home ice advantage. Yes, they now trail the Blues by a single point, but still hold a game in hand and have only two road games left of their remaining eight contests.
Yesterday's four goal third period also serves the Wild well in knowing that they can absolutely beat the Blues regardless of the recent overwhelming Blues success in the series. The last two games between the Wild and Blues, both played in St. Louis, have been Blues victories in overtime, however we know there is no 3-on-3 overtime in the playoffs, and as Dean Evason said he likes how the Wild matchup 5-on-5 with St. Louis.
Today the Wild return home to face the struggling San Jose Sharks who have lost eight straight including yesterday's 2-1 loss in Dallas. Despite the losing streak the Sharks are no pushover as they are playing their opponents very tough as was the case yesterday in Dallas losing by the slimmest of margins. That was the second straight loss to the Stars by one goal and they also played Calgary and Vancouver tough losing both by two with the final tally going into the empty net. They also have a 2-1 OT loss to the Oilers and a 4-2 defeat that was a one goal margin late.
No easy points today for the Wild as they face their former teammate, Kaapo Kahkonen in St. Paul. Yesterday's loss could actually be a boost to the Wild, who should avoid a letdown as they feel the comeback fell short in the end.
Tyson Jost will miss today's game as he left yesterday's contest after two periods with a lower body injury. Coach Evason, said after the game he could have gone in the third period, but their was no reason to push it and he was going to miss today's game to give him some added time to recover. Connor Dewar will draw into the lineup in place of Jost.
Today is the starts a streak of four straight non-playoff opponents for the Wild and they must take care of business in each of these games. We have talked about this a lot this season, where the Wild have established their game against lesser opponents all season and not allowing key points to slip away. Thar needs ti continue for the Wild to secure home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
It's always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!