Minnesota Wild Preview 2021
Our Minnesota Wild preview 2021 - 22 finds that in their 21 seasons, this team has been to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 11 times. Eight of those appearance have occured in the past nine years. Last season, the Wild finished fifth in the West with a record of 35-16-5 (75 points). That was good enough for a playoff appearance. Unfortunately, Minnesota was eliminated in the initial round by the Golden Knights three games to four. We expect that once again the Wild will have a solid chance at making a playoff appearance. However, will the league or even the conference title elude them once again?
Wild - Key Skaters
The good news is that Minnesota should, as they have for many years, put a solid defense on the ice. Included are quality two-way players 15-year vet Alex Goligoski and 13-year vet Dmitry Kulikov. Plus, Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba are premium defenders. Our Minnesota Wild preview 2021 - 22 observes that the offense is also deep. It includes top-notch wings Kirill Kaprizov and Marcus Foligno on the left and Ryan Hartman and Mats Zuccarello on the right. Center Joel Eriksson Ek is a force on the power play and always a threat to score.
Minnesota Wild Preview 2021 – Goaltending
In 2020-21, nine-year veteran netminder Cam Talbot was sound in his first Minnesota season. Talbot, who started 33 games, was 19-8-5. He recorded a 2.63 goals against average and .915 save percentage. Talbot is a steady and reliable goaltender. In his third NHL season, all with the Wild, Kaapo Kahkonen is a dependable backup.
Minnesota Wild Preview 2021 – Final Word
After spending six seasons in the AHL as a coach, Dean Evason was selected as the new Wild helmsman in 2019. Minnesota has made the playoffs in both of his first two seasons. We do expect they will do the same this year. However, our Minnesota Wild preview 2021 - 22 notes that in their first playoff appearance under Evason, the Wild exited in the Qualifying Round, and in their second appearance, they were gone after Round One. Expectations are high for this team. Can they finally go deep into the postseason?
NHL Central Division - Minnesota Wild Projection 2021
Finish: 2nd
Stanley Cup Appearance
Eliminated Round Two