What's Happening?
The Minnesota Wild are set to face the Montreal Canadiens, aiming to extend their impressive 18-1-0 record against the Canadiens over the last 19 games. The Wild are currently on a nine-game winning streak against Montreal, and a victory would mark the third time in franchise history that Minnesota has beaten an opponent 10 consecutive times. Despite injuries to key players like Matt Boldy, Marcus Johansson, and Joel Eriksson Ek, the Wild have managed to maintain their offensive momentum, with Marcus Foligno stepping up significantly. Foligno recently achieved his first career hat trick in a win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Wild's defense has also been a strong point, effectively limiting opponents' scoring opportunities.
Why It's Important?
This matchup
is significant as it highlights the Wild's dominance over the Canadiens, a team that is also performing well this season. The Wild's ability to maintain a strong record despite injuries showcases their depth and resilience, which could be crucial as they aim for a strong playoff position. For the Canadiens, breaking this losing streak against the Wild could boost their confidence and standings in the league. The game also serves as a test for the Wild's backup goalie, Jesper Wallstedt, who is expected to start and has been performing well this season.
What's Next?
Following this game, both teams will continue to push for better standings as the season progresses. The Wild will look to maintain their momentum and secure a higher playoff seed, while the Canadiens will aim to improve their consistency and break their losing streak against Minnesota. The performance of key players and the management of injuries will be critical for both teams moving forward.
