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Physical Game One Goes To Jets |
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Game one is in the books, and the Jets came out on top 3-2. What we learned form a Minnesota Wild perspective.
We learned that the Wild are without a doubt in this series, much as we discussed yesterday, this is a series of two very good teams.
Possibly the most telling sign that this is an entirely different Wild team than the ones that we have seen in recent seasons, is the fact that they have turned up the dial on their physical play.
We knew very well, that Winnipeg plays a very physical brand of hockey, but what most people were not expecting was that Minnesota would match that game.
The game was physical form the start with both teams landing hits at every opportunity. There were 71 recorded hits with the Jets having the edge 39-32.
Minnesota has very quietly become a physical team in their own respect.
That transformation began with the acquisition of Marcus Foligno last summer and continued with the signing of Foligno's linemate Daniel Winnik the day before the season began in October.
The third member of the Wild fourth line, Joel Eriksson Ek has matured into quite a physical player himself. JEE, has been called on to play a shutdown role for the good majority of the season and a real credit to his hockey IQ, for a player at such a young age. But Eriksson Ek is also a very skilled offensive player as well and we are now seeing his game become more complete and that line is a force for the Wild on a nightly basis.
Further evidence of Eriksson Ek's maturity came last night during the first period when he was caught dangling the puck by Dustin Byfuglien, who absolutely leveled him with a monster hit. Eriksson Ek bounced right back to his feet as if to say "game on, I see you Dustin."
The transformation of the Wild took another turn when in mid-season, Nick Seeler was recalled from Iowa. Seeler the 6'2", 200lb defenseman brought a physical nasty presence to the Wild blueline, which is something that had been missing for quite some time.
The injury to Ryan Suter, opened the door for 6'5" 210lb, Carson Soucy to get the call. Soucy added significant size and reach to the Wild defense. Soucy is a strong skater and even though he has just a handful of NHL games under his belt he is very mature having completed four years of college at UMD and nearly a full season of pro hockey in Iowa.
Charlie Coyle played a big mans game last night and his game has been ramping up to playoff level over the final quarter of the season. Coyle was a force every time he stepped on the ice, and quite frankly should have gotten some ice time with Dubnyk on the bench late last night.
The WIld played a very good road game last night. They came out and matched the Jets intensity, and played solid through the first period. The one area that was a concern in the first period though was their lack of shots. They elected to pass the puck in some obvious shooting opportunities and that should never be their game plan.
The second period was another good road period for the Wild and with the exception of the Mark Scheifele powerplay goal was a success. In the third the Wild continued their strong play, and were rewarded with two quick goals by the wily veterans Matt Cullen and Zach Parise, silencing the raucous Jets crowd and putting Winnipeg on their heels.
After taking the lead though, Minnesota committed the fatal flaw of falling back and altering what had gotten them where they were. The result was a Patrik Laine laser that evened the score and a Joe Morrow point shot that was redirected between Dubnyk's legs and game one went in the favor of the home squad.
An entertaining game one, no reason to believe game two will be anything less.
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