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Wild Look to Build On Comeback Win in TO

January 5, 2019, 10:57 AM ET [16 Comments]
Dan Wallace
Minnesota Wild Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After their come from behind win Thursday in Toronto, the Wild head to the Canadian capital to faceoff against the Senators.

The Wild took the first meeting between the teams ack in November 6-4. But you will recall that the Sens mounted a three goal comeback in the third period after being down 4-1, before Eric Staal gave the Wild back the lead late.

Zach Parise is showing that he belongs in the All Star game and Thursday was just another example of how the veteran winger is leading the way for the Wild offense. Parise potted his 18th of the year giving the Wild the valuable two points and a big road victory in Toronto.

Thursday's game against the Leafs did not start well for the Wild as Mitch Marner lit the lamp at a startling seven seconds into the contest and then gave Toronto a 2-0 lead just over 5 minutes later.

It could have been ugly with that start, but Bruce Boudreau's team rallied and with Charlie Coyle getting his 7th of the season midway through the first and settling the game down for the Wild.

Mikko Koivu got his 6th early in the second and it was a game from there on out. After William Nylander had given the Leafs the lead once again at 3-2, Jared Spurgeon delivered his 5th of the year just over minute later.

Spurgeon factored in on each if the first three Wild goals. With Matt Dumba out Spurgeon has to be counted on to deliver more offense and Thursday he did. Spurgeon is the barometer of the Wild defense for sure, but when he is more active in the offense it gives the Wild a much more complete approach.

Charlie Coyle has really stepped up his game after being moved back to the pivot playing with Parise and Luke Kunin. It should not be a total shock as Coyle has the tools and size to be a force in the middle. Coyle has been bounced around all over the Wild lineup over the years from center to wing from too line to fourth line and everywhere in between.

Coyle has responded to the latest move back to the pivot position and it could not come at a better time with the Wild top line struggling.

The Wild need to build on Thursday and come out ready for a strong Senators push early. It will be interesting to see how Boudreau's team responds, but if they are going to make a move this is a game they must have.

It's always Hockey Day in The State of Hockey!

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