Win number 1 in the books as the Wild played a very efficient game pretty much from start to finish.
From the opening puck drop the Wild had a businesslike approach from top to bottom. There was an air of confidence that we have not seen for quite some time.
Kevin Fiala picked up where he left off as he got the Wild on the board early with a powerplay goal. The Wild continued to pepper the Canucks but could not get another one past Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom and the first frame ended with the Wild up one.
In period two thw Canucks got things going but could not solve the Wild team defense and Alex Stalock. Jared Spurgeon gave the Wild the two goal lead once again on the powerplay on a tremendous feed from Eric Staal.
Vancouver made a push again in the third but it was more of the same as the Wild bottled up the middle and held most of Vancouver's shots to come from the outside. When they did manage to get in close Stalock stood tall and slammed the door.
Spurgeon capped the night with an. Empty netter and Dean Evason's team drew first blood in the best of five series.
It is just one game but for the Wild it was a huge step for a team that has not won a playoff series since 2015.
Discipline was the message from Evason to his team and they to a man took that to heart taking just two minor penalties resulting in just one Canucks powerplay opportunity.
Antoine Roussel did his best to get under the Wild players skin but they would have none of it just turning away and letting his banter fall on deaf ears.
Matt Dumba played with an edge all game long following his inspirational pregame speech prior to the first game on Saturday. Dumba has always been a role model in the Cities and now he has taken his role and his voice to an entirely new level.
Dumba showed great character with his actions and has taken his share of heat as well as accolades for taking a stand. First kneeling for the National Anthem prior to the Oilers Hawks game and then for raising his fist last night for both anthems.
Here is hoping that we can all become better people and end prejudice and racism once and for all.
Save the negative comments concerning Dumba and channel your energies into making the World around all of us a better place for everyone.
Minnesota Wild Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»