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By Robert Brent –
For most of the team’s 25-year history, the Minnesota Wild have had an established identity. The team relies on strong defense, solid goaltending, and opportunistic (if not always potent) goal-scoring. That’s all a nice way to describe a team with the dreaded label of “low-event hockey.”
The style isn’t always the most exciting to watch, but it has brought Minnesota some success. Low-event hockey, paired with stellar goaltending, even pulled them out of the rough start to their season and propelled them into their current playoff position.
One issue with that brand of hockey is that it comes with a ceiling. When the Wild went through a stretch of cold goaltending, they couldn’t outscore those problems. Minnesota has also often struggled to lock down the league’s top teams, leading to a long run of first-round postseason exits.
While that has always been the Wild’s identity, a shift is underway in St. Paul. The team is loaded with top-end talent and is arguably the most skilled they’ve ever been. Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes are bona fide superstars. Matt Boldy is turning into one. The goaltenders are still playing well, but don’t have to stand on their heads every night.
Minnesota is near the top of the NHL standings – tied for second-most points in the league at the Olympic break – thanks to the team’s skill.
To see how that shift looks in action, look no further than the Wild’s last ten games before the Olympic break. The team is on a hot streak, going 8-1-1 with four wins over teams in playoff position. Minnesota’s offense has largely driven those results.
In that ten-game sample, the Wild are tied for first in the league in goals (45) and rank in the top ten in expected goals for per 60 (3.4), shots on goal (298), great danger shots for (38), and expected goal differential (7.95).
The recent surge has the Wild’s cumulative expected goal differential at its best spot all season.
(Source: MoneyPuck.com)
It’s easy to identify Minnesota’s offense trending upwards, but let’s examine what that looks like on a single-game basis. Their last game before the break, against the Nashville Predators, is a perfect example of how the Wild has looked a bit different recently.
The Wild defeated Nashville 6-5 in overtime. Despite the win, Filip Gustavsson had an uncharacteristically shaky night in net. Nashville only produced 3.151 expected goals, but scored on Gustavsson five times. Minnesota’s usual low-event profile rarely supported winning games in which they gave up nearly 2 more goals than expected.
In a past season, the Wild likely lost the game and had to write it off as a rough night in net. Instead, they got two points in the standings because their top-end skill carried the game. In that particular matchup, Matt Boldy put the team on his back with a four-point night that included a hat trick.
Boldy’s performance highlighted what’s really different about this team. They have high-end talent that can carry games when the structure doesn’t suppress the opposition. The Wild have put that ability on display in their last ten games.
The Wild employ three players who are in the top 15 of the league’s scorers over the last ten games. Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes are tied for second with 18 points, and Matt Boldy places 13th with 14 points.
Hughes has been a major boost to the Wild’s offense as a master distributor of the puck. The slick defender is second in the league in assists, trailing only Nikita Kucherov, with 16 helpers over the last ten games. Hughes has notched 31 assists in 26 games since joining Minnesota.
The Wild have had some star players in the past, but it isn’t a stretch to say that the star trio of Kaprizov, Hughes, and Boldy represent the three most offensively gifted players the team has ever had. Kaprizov (1.21 points per game) and Boldy (.9 points per game) are already the top two marks in franchise history. Hughes’ 1.30 points per game would top the list for the Wild, but he’s only played 31 games with the organization and therefore doesn’t qualify.
(Source: Hockey-Reference.com)
While the stars have done a lot of the heavy lifting, it would be unfair not to recognize that the Wild’s depth scoring has also significantly improved recently. Minnesota has long been an organization that faces trouble producing offense outside of its best players, but it’s gotten some nice contributions from players outside of that core.
In the last ten games, Vladimir Tarasenko has caught fire with seven goals and three assists for a double-digit point stretch. Mats Zuccarello is benefitting from his chemistry with Kaprizov and has ridden that to 12 points in his last ten.
Those are some of the most notable names, but the Wild are getting contributions throughout the lineup. They have 12 players who have logged at least half a point per game in that set of games.
When a team has a group of superstar offensive players like the Wild, and they’re able to get some production from lower in the lineup, it’s nearly impossible to stop their attack. It comes in waves. Minnesota’s depth scoring might get another upgrade if Bill Guerin lands another player before the trade deadline.
That kind of play makes all the difference in where the Wild could eventually end up this season.
Make no mistake, the team still has a lot invested in their defense and goaltending. They aren’t going to become a free-wheeling team without structure. They just don’t require a strong defensive effort to win every game anymore. The Wild can now win games 2-1 and [italics] 6-5.
Minnesota is undergoing a stylistic shift that removes its ceiling as a “low-event” hockey team. They’ll still face stiff competition in the playoffs, but they are far more equipped to handle it now than they have been in past seasons.
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By Thomas Williams
By Tony Abbott
Posted
While I’ll agree that Quinn Hughes adds to the offense, the Nashville game was the first game they won where the opposition scored 5+ goals this season. They have won a game in each of the last 4 seasons when allowing 5+ goals, so while I disagree that they couldn’t do it in the past, it is more likely now.
I’ll add that Quinn Hughes was a little lucky that he didn’t hit the pipe with that OT shot vs. Sweden and have it bounce out for a breakaway that he wasn’t able to catch up to due to less than optimal energy from a long shift.
Having waived off the bench from subbing him, the story would have been rough if USA lost on that shift. Hughes is a really good offensive player and got the goal though, so all good. It was an exciting win and Boldy got an easy assist on the game winner.
Posted
This team does feel different coming down the stretch. I’d like to once again drive home the point that the top reason why the Wild are successful this year is having 2 capable goalies. The teams with 1 have been at an extreme disadvantage, and just look at what happened to ‘Peg while Hellebuyck went down.
Goalies steal playoff series. That is a fact! Giving the goalies the proper rest this season has certainly helped out this Wild team and likely kept both healthy.
Posted
that he wasn’t able to catch up to due to less than optimal energy from a long shift.
Having waived off the bench from subbing him, the story would have been rough if USA lost on that shift.
The hughzy fan club will say “why are you being a doomer, he scored” but I had the exact same thought IYHB. My first thought was the hughzy fully exposed his selfishness by waiving off the bench for a change. If I’m the coach or a teammate that pisses me off. And you can bet some are bothered by it
Posted
This whole thing about Tarasenko catching fire I don’t know what to make of it. I had hoped when they brought him in he could have a turn-back-the-clock year and be a contributor on the second line. He did his best Nojo impression.
So once in a while he gets hot and you’d think, maybe he can move up. I don’t trust him. I think when he asserts himself he is better than average bottom six now and that is why he has spurts of success.
A center who can slot in either above Ek and Yurov would be great but even between the two would be fine. A top six wing with some real scoring touch would be awesome as well. Somebody who just dominates at faceoffs even would be of help because I am going to puke the next time I see them with a faceoff in our defensive zone with under a minute and give up a snipe from the blue line. Win the faceoff and pin the dang puck.
Posted (edited)
My first thought was the hughzy fully exposed his selfishness by waiving off the bench for a change. If I’m the coach or a teammate that pisses me off. And you can bet some are bothered by it
Maybe, but winning tends to cure all ills. I think if I were on the team, and had maybe typical ego of a professional player, I would still think “This guy is either THE best defenseman in the NHL if not the second best, and if he is feeling it, I will trust him.”
If I were a player sure, I could see getting bothered, but if I were a coach I think I trust the player’s gut. I don’t know if it was selfishness, or a little Game 7, ten inning shut out Jack Morris state of mind.
Posted
My first thought was the hughzy fully exposed his selfishness by waiving off the bench for a change. If I’m the coach or a teammate that pisses me off. And you can bet some are bothered by it
Given that they won, I imagine the teammates can live with it, but when you have guys like Werenski(a faster skater with a better shot, who is probably better defensively) available, it would have been a real issue if they lost on that shift.
Posted
This team does feel different coming down the stretch. I’d like to once again drive home the point that the top reason why the Wild are successful this year is having 2 capable goalies. The teams with 1 have been at an extreme disadvantage, and just look at what happened to ‘Peg while Hellebuyck went down.
Goalies steal playoff series. That is a fact! Giving the goalies the proper rest this season has certainly helped out this Wild team and likely kept both healthy.
The Wilds best playoff run was because of the dynamic duo in net for them back in 02-03 with Rolie and the Spanish wonder Fernandez…
Posted
The hughzy fan club will say “why are you being a doomer, he scored” but I had the exact same thought IYHB. My first thought was the hughzy fully exposed his selfishness by waiving off the bench for a change. If I’m the coach or a teammate that pisses me off. And you can bet some are bothered by it
I’ll take the win…
Posted
This whole thing about Tarasenko catching fire I don’t know what to make of it. I had hoped when they brought him in he could have a turn-back-the-clock year and be a contributor on the second line. He did his best Nojo impression.
So once in a while he gets hot and you’d think, maybe he can move up. I don’t trust him. I think when he asserts himself he is better than average bottom six now and that is why he has spurts of success.
A center who can slot in either above Ek and Yurov would be great but even between the two would be fine. A top six wing with some real scoring touch would be awesome as well. Somebody who just dominates at faceoffs even would be of help because I am going to puke the next time I see them with a faceoff in our defensive zone with under a minute and give up a snipe from the blue line. Win the faceoff and pin the dang puck.
I’m luvin the Kremline this year… They’re bringin it.
Posted
I were on the team, and had maybe typical ego of a professional player, I would still think “This guy is either THE best defenseman in the NHL if not the second best, and if he is feeling it, I will trust him.”
Why would Werenski not think he’s better than Quinn Hughes?
Werenski is faster and a better scorer, and not worse defensively. Nobody should believe that Quinn Hughes is “unquestionably” a top 2 NHL defenseman, including Quinn Hughes.
Posted
The hughzy fan club will say “why are you being a doomer, he scored” but I had the exact same thought IYHB. My first thought was the hughzy fully exposed his selfishness by waiving off the bench for a change. If I’m the coach or a teammate that pisses me off. And you can bet some are bothered by it
I’ve not seen any of the games and even highlights have been hard to finf for me. I was kinda thinking maybe he saw the opportunity unfolding or maybe it just wasn’t safe for him to go to the bench at that moment and he was waiting for a better/safer opportunity. Shrug…
Posted (edited)
Why would Werenski not think he’s better than Quinn Hughes?
Werenski is faster and a better scorer, and not worse defensively. Nobody should believe that Quinn Hughes is “unquestionably” a top 2 NHL defenseman, including Quinn Hughes.
I think it is Hughes and Makar as 1 & 2 (either order), you can argue the point, we have differing opinions. Why would he not think he is better? He is listed on the third pairing on the team.
Posted
sorry if this was said by someone, and if not – it should be said
Ek was the best player on the ice (not Hughes, not Faber and not Boldy and not Tkachuk).
Ek was obviously not at 100% but he was a beast out there and played virtually every other shift and delivered. Glad he got back up after the fall. Game stats may not show it, but all the little plays that he made and toughness he played with…just a monster.
And he looked bigger….like seriously he was the biggest guy out there against anyone US threw. Keep it going Ekker and destroy everyone in Central, West, and SC.
Ek played like a tier 1/2 player, and if he does that from now on then…..
Posted
Quinn Hughes
Q seems to have some kind of elite hockey 6th sense. Gretzky was a player that anticipated the play in uncanny ways so maybe a little of that. Whatever “it” is QH has it and it shows up in high level possession metrics and PPG stats. I’ve rewatched the GWG for team US and I gotta tell you I don’t think anyone else saw that shot selection coming. It didn’t make sense but it must have in Quinn’s mind. I noticed Jack H is really good at getting shots through to the net, gotta give Marky a nod, he played a fantastic game.
Posted
I think it is Hughes and Makar as 1 & 2 (either order), you can argue the point, we have differing opinions. Why would he not think he is better? He is listed on the third pairing on the team.
Werenski has been 3rd or 2nd in defenseman minutes for the US in most games, behind only Hughes or McAvoy. Accepting a role the coach gives you is not going to make him feel like he isn’t as good. The team only brought 2 right handed D to the Olympics, so I believe he’s playing his off hand and getting plenty of PK shifts.
I understand that Quinn Hughes might be worse in that role, so Werenski fills it.
Removing short handed minutes, Werenski has tallied more points per 60 minutes over the last 2 seasons than Quinn Hughes, and far more goals. Quinn Hughes is good in his role, but that doesn’t mean that Werenski would be worse.
Posted
Why would Werenski not think he’s better than Quinn Hughes?
Werenski is faster and a better scorer, and not worse defensively. Nobody should believe that Quinn Hughes is “unquestionably” a top 2 NHL defenseman, including Quinn Hughes.
Werenski’s a great player, and I don’t know enough about his game to really comment on the comparison. With respect to being faster, though, Hughes actually has been clocked at the higher top speed of the two (as far as I can tell, at 24.56 mph last season). This season, Werenski has the higher top speed and more 22+ mph bursts but Hughes has more 20+ and 18+. Stats from https://www.nhl.com/nhl-edge/comparisons/skaters/zach-werenski-8478460/20252026/2/quinn-hughes-8480800/20252026/2
I agree with your earlier point about Quinn being lucky he didn’t hit the post, though. Who knows what would have happened with the counterfactual, but if he missed and it led to a Sweden rush chance… waving off that change would not have the same narrative. As it went, however, I like the story because I can say he saw that Ek was no longer on the ice to defend!
Posted
That game reminded me of the ending of Hoosiers.
“Coach, I’ll make it”.
Posted
With respect to being faster, though, Hughes actually has been clocked at the higher top speed of the two (as far as I can tell, at 24.56 mph last season). This season, Werenski has the higher top speed and more 22+ mph bursts but Hughes has more 20+ and 18+. Stats
I did only look at this season. They’re both great players. I’m not saying one is better than the other, only that the argument could be made for Weeenski since he scored just as frequently and plays some penalty kill.
Perhaps Quinn can reach higher top speed than he has been this year. He’s clearly a gifted skater, but Werenski is near the elite skaters, so I’m not sure Hughes has a major advantage over him. Werenski is a more productive goal scorer. Hughes gets more assists. They could both be considered top 5.
Posted
Werenski’s a great player, and I don’t know enough about his game to really comment on the comparison.
I should have looked at this earlier, but I also see Quinn Hughes has never been above 8.5% shooting percentage. Werenski has topped that in 3 difference seasons, including two seasons above 10%(assuming he remains there this season), and 3 seasons with 20+ goals. He’s on pace for 30 goals this year.
At 6’2″ and 214 pounds, he seems like a sturdier defender than the 5’10” and 180 pound Quinn Hughes. Werenski also blocks about 60% more shots, so with their total points about equal, I think one could make a case for Werenski.
Posted
I should have looked at this earlier, but I also see Quinn Hughes has never been above 8.5% shooting percentage. Werenski has topped that in 3 difference seasons, including two seasons above 10%(assuming he remains there this season), and 3 seasons with 20+ goals. He’s on pace for 30 goals this year.
At 6’2″ and 214 pounds, he seems like a sturdier defender than the 5’10” and 180 pound Quinn Hughes. Werenski also blocks about 60% more shots, so with their total points about equal, I think one could make a case for Werenski.
But does werenski see ghosts or climb the boards in a cute way?
Posted
Ek was the best player on the ice
We talk a lot about the flashy players and how great they are…and they are great. But I 100% agree with you. The most important player for the Wild is Ek. Would love to see him playing at 100% for the playoffs.
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