After a strong start to the season and then a month of win one lose one the Wild have pulled it together winning their fourth straight game last night. The four straight wins marks the team's longest win streak of the season and also extended their regulation unbeaten string to a season high of five games 4-0-1.
Last night's win drew the Wild within two points of second place St. Louis (2 games in hand) and six points of Central Division leader Chicago (3 games in hand). The Wild are 6-1-3 in their last ten allowing them to make their move up the standings.
December has been a traditionally tough month for the Wild over recent seasons, so the recent play and results are a welcome change. There are still areas that need improvement but the upward trend is great to see.
Bruce Boudreau's system is taking place and the transformation from the old Wild to a new look, more representative of Boudreau's trademark teams of the past, is in full swing. The new look fourth line bringing some much needed toughness, combined with a better structured offensive approach is yielding positive results. The Wild strength has always been defense and goaltending but under Boudreau they are becoming a much more complete team.
The transformation is a work in progress and the team still needs to develop better internal leadership, but the signs are definitely pointing this team in the right direction.