By Dakota Case -
One week, two games and zero points - not exactly what the Minnesota Wild had in mind this time last week. Coming off a 13-0 three-game shutout streak, Mikael Granlund had the only goal to show for Minnesota this week. Fortunately, Devan Dubnyk continues to look nothing short of absolutely amazing in net. We'll get to him in a bit.
The Wild enter the week sitting third in the Central Division with a 6-4-1 record and 13 points. St. Louis is just ahead with 14 points, while Chicago takes the lead with 17. Winnipeg occupies the second wild card playoff spot with 11 points.
This Week's Schedule
Thursday, November 10th - Minnesota Wild @ Pittsburgh Penguins 6:00 PM CT (FS-N)
Saturday, November 12th - Minnesota Wild @ Philadelphia Flyers 6:00 PM CT (FS-N+)
Sunday, November 13th - Minnesota Wild @ Ottawa Senators 4:00 PM CT (TVAS, FS-N, FS-WI)
Game of the Week
The defending Stanley Cup champs struggled out the gate without captain Sidney Crosby, but they've been a different animal entirely since his return. Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Matt Murray - they're just the cream of a very deep crop. They'll be the biggest test of the week, but Crosby might not be our Key Opponent this week...
Key Player of the Week
Believe it or not, a month in, Devan Dubnyk is the technically the NHL's best goaltender. It helps that Carey Price missed some time, but he's just the best of some very good goaltending talent that pressed on in his absence.
Devan Dubnyk leads all goalies with five wins, a 1.46 goals against average, a .951 save percentage and three shutouts, good enough to make him the No. 1 goaltender in fantasy formats, and third ranked fantasy player overall according to Yahoo Sports rankings. Minnesota is dealing with injuries to key players. With teams like Chicago, St. Louis and Winnipeg starting to get their legs under them, Minnesota will need Dubby to be at the top of his game while the coaching staff figures out new line combinations.
Key Opponent of the Week
If Devan Dubnyk is No. 3 in fantasy formats, who is No. 1? That honor goes to Flyers winger Jakub Voracek.
Philly is still figuring things out defensively, but Voracek has been leading the attack up ice with six goals, 13 points, four power play points and 52 shots on goal. His possession stats this season (57% CF, 57.8 FF%) have been the best of his career, as well. One of the league's most underrated stars, don't be surprised when you inevitably see his name on the score sheet Saturday.
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