NHL 20 Simulation: Wild continue homestand, take on Devils

The thrill of watching real-life hockey, in real time, is on pause right now due to COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean we can’t use the power of EA Sports’ NHL 20 to see how the games that have been missed would have played out.

In case you missed it, we’ve been playing each of the postponed Minnesota Wild games on NHL 20. After a big win against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Wild lost a tough one to the Philadelphia Flyers in an important contest to keep gaining points in the playoff race.

Since the loss to Philly, though, the Wild began a solid streak of three straight victories before having that run come an end in an overtime loss to Winnipeg. The schedule would then give Minnesota three chances in a row to secure points on home ice. The Wild made their first chance count with a huge win over the Colorado Avalanche.

Now, on two days rest, the boys in green shift their attention to their counterparts from the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Devils. Will they be able to ride the momentum and get two more vital points?

Keep in mind, the record for the Wild in the simulation is different than in real life due to there not being a feature to begin a season from a particular point other than the beginning. However, the rosters are the same as in real life, including moves made at the trade deadline. Injuries have also been turned off.

With the overtime loss, Minnesota’s record moves to 40-28-9, giving them 89 points. With only five games remaining in the regular season, the club will only have one more chance to play in front of their home fans, as the remaining four games afterward take place on the road.

Check back soon for the simulation of the Wild’s home finale against the Buffalo Sabers.