3 X-Factors in the Wild-Avalanche series – Hockey Writers – Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild reached the second round for the first time since the 2014-15 season, where they were promptly swept by the Chicago Blackhawks. This season, they defeated a very good Dallas Stars team in six games and have now tied the Colorado Avalanche for the President’s Trophy.

It will be a tough series with the Avalanche coming off a lot of rest after sweeping the Kings in Los Angeles, and the Wild playing a tough series against the Stars, but I think the Wild have a good chance to pull off the upset.

With that being said, here are my three X-things that can swing this series in either direction.

Health and Rest

This is a little obvious, but it will be very important. The Avalanche took care of business against the Kings for a while. Because of their ability to complete the sweep, they ended their streak on April 26, compared to the Wild, who ended their streak four days later, on April 30.

Not only do the Avalanche get the benefit of a good rest, but the Wild are dealing with significant injuries heading into this series. Both Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin appeared to be out for both Games 1 and 2, with neither traveling to Colorado with the team.

Not only was Eriksson Ek great in Round 1, posting three goals and two assists in six games, but the Wild’s weakness is already deep in the middle. On top of that, I would say that the biggest strength of this Avs team is the depth of their center.

If the Wild can pull out one win before going back to Minnesota in Game 3, that would be a huge swing in the series. On the other hand, the Avalanche have a great chance to win 2-0 against a Wild team that just got out of a dogfight in the series.

Can the Wild Drag the Avalanche to Fight?

The Avalanche swept the Kings, but the first two games were one-goal games, and Game 3 was a 4-2 Avs victory with an empty netter. The Kings were able to keep games tight by playing the neutral zone trap. I don’t think the Wild should think that because they are so much better than the Kings, but they need to try to force Colorado to play their game.

The Wild can slide by the Avalanche, but I think Colorado takes the series if it turns into a track meet. That’s why they need to do exactly what they did to the Stars, which is to treat them physically during and after the game.

The fourth line with two Foligno brothers played a big role in the series and was strong against Dallas. Both of them can be pests, and I think if they are going to win this series, you have to drag them into the fight.