StandingO

The 82-game regular-season stretch is winding down to the final week. With Minnesota Wild locked into yet another playoff berth, let’s look at some possible first-round matchups and how we might see each one play out. The race for seeding and final wild-card spots is tight in the West and it’s looking like it will be that way until the last game is played. As of right now, there seem to be four plausible opponents the Wild might see—Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, and Calgary Flames. Let’s start top to bottom with who I believe the Wild would most want to see to least. 

Calgary Flames

The Flames will need some extra help to make the playoffs but don’t count them out quite yet. A team that was projected before the season to be a top-three team in the West has been arguably the biggest disappointment this year. But if they are able to sneak themselves into the first round that could make them a very dangerous team. On paper, this team has the makeup of one that’s worthy of a playoff run. However, they haven’t been able to sync up all parts of their game. 

The most prominent cause for concern is their shaky goaltending. Markstrom has not looked himself this year letting in almost 3 goals a game and a generous .891 save percentage. The way the Wild are structured, they should be able to slow down the Flames offense and limit the high-danger chances. If the Wild are able to throw pucks on net Markstrom is bound to let a few go by. 

If the Flames haven’t been able to figure out their problems through 78 games, I just don’t see how they will magically be able to turn into a legitimate contender in the blink of an eye. The Wild are 1-1-1 against Calgary this year but if this ends up being the first-round matchup I like taking my chances for the Wild to move on.

Winnipeg Jets

So far, the Wild have the Jets number this year—a 3-0-0 record. Not only is it just a clean regular season sweep but the Wild have pounded the Jets in those three games outscoring them 14-4 in the process. Normally, that would make any fan confident about a first-round matchup. But, as many Wild fans are aware, the Wild have struggled mightily in the playoffs against the Jets; and any team for that matter. History has not been kind to them.

What worries me the most is the exact opposite of the Flames. The Jets have a stud in the net who can easily steal a series away if he is on top of his game. Much like what Jake Allen did to the Wild in the 2017 playoffs. What I am not too worried about is the Jets lighting the lamp too often in a series. They have struggled mightily to score this year having little production from anybody outside the top two lines. The Wild should be able to find the right matchups to shut down their top 6 and let Gustavson and Fleury do the rest. 

If a first-round matchup were to happen, I expect this to be a physical tight-checking series. And the Wild might have a little extra fuel to the fire given this was the team that took superstar Kirill Kaprizov out with injury.

Dallas Stars

To be quite frank, neither of these last two teams I would want to see in the first round and I could equally have these two as a 1A and 1B. This Dallas Stars offense is dangerous. They are averaging 3.43 goals a game and have one of the elite young talents in the game—winger Jason Robertson who just eclipsed the 100-point mark. They have a great mix of veterans with playoff experience and young talent whom they can already count upon. 

Solidifying their roster, they have one of the up-and-coming netminders in Minnesota’s own, Jacob Oettinger.  He made a name for himself in last year’s playoffs and only built upon that performance this year. The fact that he already has playoff credibility cannot ease the mind of the Wild. 

This team is fast and physical and can move the puck, especially on the power play. Looking at the Wild, they have brought in the guys needed to counter the physical punch that’s needed in these grueling 7 game series. That hasn’t been a strength of theirs these last couple of playoff appearances. The regular season series sits at 2 games a piece for each side. And that’s exactly how I see a potential series between these two playing out. 

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche haven’t been as strong a team as in recent years but they are peaking at the right time. Oh, and they still have Makar and MacKinnon. And as reigning Stanley Cup Champions they have to be seen as such. Top to bottom this team is solid and has quality depth. They have a noticeable advantage in speed over teams and are not afraid to get gritty when needed. If the Wild have a shot at advancing they cannot be taking penalties against this lineup. They are one of the league’s best power play units currently sitting at 25%. 

The Wild have been able to match up fairly well with them so far this year going 1-2 but only being outscored by 2 goals in those 3 games. However, injuries have plagued this team all year so they have never been fully healthy and seen the true potential they have. And that is one aspect that Wild fans can have a hopeful outlook for. It doesn’t appear, as of right now, that Landeskog will be 100% come playoff time. That is a significant question mark for the Avalanche. But being Colorado, they have had players step up and have impact years for this team. 

No matter the record, with this roster and coach, the Avalanche will always be a dangerous team come playoff time. I don’t believe any Wild fan wants to see this be the first-round opponent. That is not to say the Wild won’t be prepared this time around.