Article: The Wild Need More From Their Depth To Vanquish Vegas

[Tony Abbott]

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[ArizonaWildFan]

Good call on a Hartman, Rossi and Foligno line. Rossi has proven in the past that he can be successful if given the opportunity. Giving him ten minutes of ice time on a checking fourth line is not much of an opportunity for a player with his skill set.

Bring up Ohgren if Johansson is out in game four and slot him between Trenin and Brazeau. That leaves Gaudreau centering Zuccarello and Nyquist.

Recent playoff appearances have shown the Wild either unwilling or unable to adapt and to make changes while opposing teams and coaches do. In a playoff series when it is the same opponent in consecutive games tendencies, structure and style become predictable and much easier to defend or to exploit. Superior talent up and down a lineup can overcome predicability but unfortunately the Wild do not have superior talent.

 

[Protec]

I think MN needs to keep playing a team game and they'll get the goals and goaltending they need. 

They've finally captured some momentum. Gus has been pretty good. I think the depth guys will find a way to chip in. Hartman, Trenin, and Foligno have all been doing good things. Hill is not unbeatable. I expect to see some extra from the depth lines. Hynes is a little more dynamic than Evason but it's the belief MN needs to harness. That is the key to MN getting Vegas against the ropes and avoiding letdowns.

[Patrick]

I absolutely agree with moving Rossi up and Nyquist out. He doesn't have it anymore.   Put Ohhren on the 4th line and let them hit everything that moves for 8 or 9 minutes. 

I do think you are underselling on the Wilds blue line though.  While the Knights are controlling expected goals that isn't the whole story. In fact the Wild defense is a case study on the shortcomings of advanced hockey stats.  Vegas has had control of the puck but the Wild and specifically the defense are dictating what is happening on the ice.