3 Takeaways From the Wild’s 4-2 Loss to the Stars in Game 2 – The Hockey Writers –

The Minnesota Wild took on the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of Round 1 on Monday evening, Apr. 20, in Dallas, Texas. The Wild opened the series with a big 6-1 win that surprised many, and they looked to take Game 2 as well. They did take a bit of a hit in the injury department, as right before the game started, it was announced that Mats Zuccarello would not play due to an upper-body injury as a result of an elbow to the head in Game 1. 

Jesper Wallstedt was in the net, and it started with a lot of physicality. The Stars got the first goal of the game, but the Wild responded, and it was tied at the end of the first. The Wild also lost Yakov Trenin after taking a hit in the first, and he didn’t return to the game due to an upper-body injury. The Stars got the lead in the second and extended it in the third. The Wild tried to mount a comeback but couldn’t do enough and fell 4-2. In this article, we’ll look at a few takeaways, starting with penalties. 

Wild Need to Stay Composed 

One of the Wild’s biggest issues in the past was their inability to stay out of the penalty box in crucial situations. Every team takes penalties; sometimes, they’re unavoidable, but the Wild’s were excessive. However, they looked to be a different team this season as they were one of the least penalized teams and played a much more disciplined game. 

That changed slightly in Game 1, but luckily for the Wild, it didn’t affect them as much as it could’ve. However, that changed in Game 2, the Wild knew the Stars were going to come out hard but they still fell into the penalty trap. The Stars knew how to push the Wild’s buttons, and the Wild let them. 

They did nearly come back, but unfortunately, their penalties got them into trouble again, and they couldn’t mount a big enough comeback. If the Wild want to win Game 3, they will have to be much more composed and not allow the Stars to get the better of them when it comes to penalties. 

Wild Missing Zuccarello & Trenin 

While it wasn’t the main reason the Wild lost this game, it did play a big part, and that was being without Mats Zuccarello and then losing Yakov Trenin. Zuccarello brings a lot of energy and speed to the lineup, plus he pairs very well with Kirill Kaprizov on the top line, which proved strong in Game 1. 

They definitely missed his presence throughout the game, especially on the power play, where they couldn’t convert on four chances. The other reason the Wild struggled was losing Trenin in the first period. The Stars started out physical and didn’t let up all game, and although the Wild responded, without Trenin, they lacked a big portion of their physicality. 

Hopefully, Zuccarello and Trenin are able to play in Game 3, and if not, the Wild have to find a way to step up without the two of them. They can definitely find a way to be more physical; they just have to stay within the boundaries and not take penalties. Filling in for Zuccarello will be the more difficult part, but they have players who can step up. 

Wild’s Faber Bright Spot 

The Wild did get in some trouble when it came to penalties, but Brock Faber came to the rescue not just once but twice. He could’ve had even more goals if it hadn’t been for Jake Oettinger having a stellar night in net. Those two goals were Faber’s first career playoff goals, and they helped give the Wild a chance to win. 

Faber has been one of the Wild’s best players so far in this short postseason because he’s found yet another level to his game. His efforts gave his team a boost, and they showed they can control play when they get the chance. At times, the Wild looked like the better team, and they’ll have to focus on that in Game 3. 

The Wild can win Game 3 and this series if they come out as they did in Game 1, but with more energy and, if possible, more physicality. They have to keep composed and stay out of the penalty box as well. If they can do that, they can get the win. Hopefully, the home ice will give them some added motivation to do well in front of their home crowd and get not just one but two wins.