Can the Minnesota Wild Tame the Lightning at Amalie Arena?

As the Minnesota Wild prepare to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can carry forward their momentum from a recent victory. The Wild's performance on January 16 against the New York Islanders was nothing short of dominant, as they shut out their opponents with a convincing 5-0 win. This victory showcased Minnesota's ability to control both ends of the ice, with an impressive 100 percent save percentage and a shooting percentage of 12 percent.

The Wild's powerplay unit was particularly effective, converting two out of five opportunities into goals. Their shorthanded play also stood out as they managed to net one goal while being one man down. These special teams' contributions could be pivotal in their upcoming game against Tampa Bay.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for MIN in recent games. On January 14, they faced a tough challenge from the Arizona Coyotes and were handed a humbling defeat with six goals slipping past them without reply. Despite this setback, it's important to note that hockey is a game where fortunes can change swiftly from one match to another.

Looking ahead at their next encounter with TB, there are several factors that could influence the outcome in favor of MIN. The team will need to focus on maintaining strong goaltending as demonstrated by their last win and capitalize on powerplay chances which have been fruitful for them recently.

On defense, minimizing giveaways will be crucial; during their loss against Arizona Coyotes where they gave up eight times which likely contributed to their negative plus-minus rating of -20 for that game. Learning from these mistakes and tightening up defensively could make all the difference when facing Tampa Bay’s potent offense.

Tampa Bay Lightning should not be underestimated though; playing at home gives them an advantage and they will certainly look to exploit any weaknesses shown by MIN in previous outings. It is essential for Minnesota Wild players and coaching staff alike not only learn but also adapt quickly based on past performances if they wish come away victorious once more.

Fans eagerly anticipating this matchup should mark January 19 on their calendars – it promises be an exciting battle between two competitive teams looking make statement early year! The puck drops at midnight Eastern Time (ET) you can catch action live ESPN+ Hulu national audiences tune into what sure thrilling contest between these formidable opponents!