Can the Minnesota Wild Turn the Tide Against Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena?

As the Minnesota Wild prepare to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a string of challenging games. The upcoming clash on January 7th is more than just another game; it's an opportunity for redemption.

The Wild have had a rough patch in their recent outings. On January 5th, despite a strong defensive effort with 23 hits and blocking 12 shots, they fell short against Tampa Bay Lightning with a final score of 4-1. Their shooting percentage was low at only four percent, and while they won 57 percent of faceoffs, it wasn't enough to secure victory.

Similarly, on January 3rd against Calgary Flames, the Wild managed to put up an impressive number of hits (26) and blocked shots (11), but again their shooting percentage was lacking at three percent. They also struggled in powerplay opportunities during this match-up.

However, not all is bleak for Minnesota fans. In their December 31st game versus Winnipeg Jets, the Wild showed resilience and determination. They dominated in physicality with a whopping 36 hits and took control of faceoffs by winning them at a rate of 62 percent. Their goaltending was solid too; saving goals with precision reflected in an excellent save percentage.

Looking ahead to the game against CBJ, there are key areas where MIN needs to focus if they want to come out on top. Improving their powerplay efficiency will be crucial – capitalizing on these chances could be the difference-maker. Additionally, maintaining strong goaltending will be vital for keeping CBJ's scorers at bay.

The Blue Jackets should not be underestimated though; they'll come into this game looking to defend their home ice advantage fiercely. But if MIN can harness some of that tenacity shown against Winnipeg and tighten up their offensive execution seen lacking in recent games – there's every chance they can skate away with a win.

Wild fans should mark their calendars for what promises to be an exciting encounter filled with potential turning points for Minnesota's season trajectory. The puck drops at Nationwide Arena on January 7th; catch all the action live on ESPN+ nationally or BSN/BSWIX channels locally starting from midnight Eastern Time.