It All Comes Down To Game #82

Captain Jared Spurgeon and Jake Middleton are returning to the lineup.

Buium not playing against the Ducks due to zero full practices with the team and the veterans returning. He may still play in the playoffs.

The Wild can't take any team for granted.  Just gotta play for the win or tie in the 3rd.  Can't let the Blues or Flames dictate their destiny.

History is good at repeating itself with professional sports in this once great state.

Blues have to win and Flames have to win both to keep us out, right?

3 minutes ago, FredJohnson said:

Blues have to win and Flames have to win both to keep us out, right?

Yes, and that's only if we lose tonight in regulation.

5 minutes ago, FredJohnson said:

Blues have to win and Flames have to win both to keep us out, right?

Answering myself - we’re in if…

- Win or go to overtime with Anaheim

- Blues lose

- Calgary loses

Into the playoffs!

Really just want to win handedly in regulation and remove all other scenarios. 

6 minutes ago, M_Nels said:

Really just want to win handedly in regulation and remove all other scenarios. 

(Sarcastic Gif)

Don't worry Wild fans Merril is playing.

And here we are, Wild needing another OT flip of the coin to determine fate against a lower caliber team this season.  This doesn't bring confidence nor dominance as they prepare for life after regular season.  Wonder if we will win a game or a long shot 2 games against Las Vegas.  Not trying to be negative, the facts and stats continue to tell the same story.  

2 hours ago, hydguy75 said:

And here we are, Wild needing another OT flip of the coin to determine fate against a lower caliber team this season.  This doesn't bring confidence nor dominance as they prepare for life after regular season.  Wonder if we will win a game or a long shot 2 games against Las Vegas.  Not trying to be negative, the facts and stats continue to tell the same story.  

Needing a goal in the last 2 mins against an eliminated team does not do anything to bolster confidence for the playoffs, I agree. However, this is what the Wild have done all season....finding a way to win games. If this continues into the playoffs, that's good for us. A W is a W. We've put ourselves in a matchup that gives us the best chance to get out of the first round. 

Now lets see if a fully healthy team that was once the top of the NHL can execute. 

Just now, Aimlessone said:

Needing a goal in the last 2 mins against an eliminated team does not do anything to bolster confidence for the playoffs, I agree.

Just like the Sharks I give the Ducks a ton of credit and respect for not simply mailing it in. Both those teams played HARD all the way to 82. Future looks bright for both those franchises but the Ducks look a shade closer to contention. If Anaheim gets stronger, more mature on the backend look out. Fun to watch their aggressive, fast, high octane offense.