Smith Warns Wild to Act Fast to Avoid Early-Season Decline
The Minnesota Wild’s season has been off to a challenging start, marked by a 2-3-1 record. Following Saturday’s game, which saw the team suffer a 2-1 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the urgency for improvement is clear. Veteran forward Marcus Foligno expressed the need for a refreshed mindset, indicating that some players may require a “wake-up call” to reverse their early-season decline.
Current Season Performance
The Wild’s record paints a concerning picture compared to last season’s successful launch, where they didn’t lose in regulation until their eighth game. Currently, they are grappling with a series of losses, including a disheartening defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets at home and narrow escapes against teams like the Los Angeles Kings.
Key Matches Overview
- Season opener: 5-0 victory against the St. Louis Blues.
- Recent setbacks: Lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars.
- Philadelphia Flyers game: Allowed a tying goal from Owen Tippett and came up short in overtime.
The Wild’s struggle can be attributed not only to the number of losses but the manner in which they’ve occurred. Despite having a lead against the Flyers, they made critical errors that led to goals, showcasing their vulnerabilities.
Statistics and Challenges
The statistics reveal critical areas where the team needs to improve. Minnesota currently ranks 26th in goals against per game (3.67) and 24th in goals for (2.67). They are also last in the NHL for five-on-five goals, which stands at only six thus far this season.
Individual Performers
- Kirill Kaprizov: Four power-play goals, yet silence at even strength.
- Foligno: Still searching for his first point of the season.
- Ryan Hartman: Scored two goals in the opener, but has not added to that tally since.
New faces, such as offseason addition Vladimir Tarasenko, are still adjusting. Tarasenko found the net for the first time this season on Saturday, a welcome sign as the team seeks depth beyond their top line.
Looking Ahead
The Wild face the New York Rangers in their next matchup, which could prove pivotal. The Rangers recently had success with a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, adding pressure for Minnesota to counter this momentum.
The upcoming game marks an important opportunity for the Wild to turn around their season before the situation becomes more dire. As Foligno highlighted, avoiding an early decline is essential for the team’s aspirations this season. The emphasis will need to be on improving competitiveness and minimizing mistakes.
Overall, while there is time left in the season, the call to act fast to prevent further decline is echoing among the Wild’s players and coaching staff alike.
