Article: 3 Key Takeaways from Wild's Major Game 3 Win to Take Series Lead

[Thomas Williams]

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[SkolWild73]

We have a chance to do what we have failed to do the last two playoff series, and that is win game 4 and really take advantage of this series.  Will be monitoring Nojo’s status for game 4.  He left the game last night and didn’t return.  If he is healthy, I would fully expect the same line up on Saturday.  If not, I wonder what direction they take with the bottom 3 lines.

[IllicitFive]

Why not make 2025 the year they get out of the first round? In the last few playoff series weren't injuries a bit of a problem? This year they have everyone, and maybe some benefit of having fresh legs, or back in Ek's case from getting cross checked daily. There also seems to be a swagger, or maybe a dedication that we haven't seen in the past. Not saying those other teams didn't care but this version just looks different.

Boldy and Kap looking like the 2 best players right now in the playoffs, Spurge is effective (leading in +/- at +5) in the NHL, faber right behind at +4, while being on different lines. Trenin and Braz, for as much hate as they got throughout the year, have stepped up and I believe playing their role perfectly. Trenin with some good hits, saw Braz throwing them around with a bit more force last night as well. Moose Hartman and Nyquist have been looking good, Moose is throwing his weight around like crazy which is what they need. Would like to see a bit more out of Freddy, Zucc, and JoJo (removing NoJo until further notice as he has been much better as of late) but its a bit nit picky.

Also, credit to Hynes, so far his game plan and getting everyone to buy in has been huge. Wasn't afraid of moving Hartman to line 3 and Rossi to 4, which has proved to be a good choice thus far. Vegas looks flustered and frustrated. I hope he can keep pushing the right buttons and flipping the proper switches to continue on, but so far so good.

[mnfaninnc]

Looks like Thomas and I were thinking the same thing this morning!

Quote

While we are all riding high as our Wild hold a 2-1 series lead, we need a somewhat stark reminder that the Wild have been here before.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by mnfaninnc

[FredJohnson]

A couple of brain farts gave the Kuhnigits their goals: Gus obviously took his eye off the first goal against; KK97 pinched down, got burned and left the defenseman all alone to defend two Kuhnigits on the second goal against. They could have been defending a shutout last night.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by FredJohnson
Grammer

[raithis]

21 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

Looks like Thomas and I were thinking the same thing this morning!

 

Yeah, the Wild can't get comfortable.  Vegas is struggling to regain their footing and push back.  Keep the pressure on.  Frustration and a bit of panic is already starting to creep it's way into Vegas.  Don't let them feel like they can get back into it.

[Patrick]

Everyone loving on Ek, Boldy, Kap and Gus and deservedly so but the top four on the blue line are absolutely dictating the game.  Lets go Wild!