Opinion
4 min read

Can the Minnesota Wild Tame the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena?

As the Minnesota Wild prepare to face off against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their recent success on enemy ice. The Wild have shown a tenacity that suggests they could very well dominate in the upcoming game scheduled for February 15.


Mar 12, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) makes a save against Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the first period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at their last encounter with the Boston Bruins on December 24, 2023, where they secured a narrow victory with a score of 3-2, it's clear that resilience is one of this team's key attributes. Despite giving away nine times and facing six penalties, which resulted in fifteen penalty minutes, they managed to pull through with an impressive shooting percentage of nine percent and winning fifty-five percent of faceoffs.


The powerplay opportunities were particularly noteworthy during that game; out of five chances, they capitalized once. This kind of efficiency could be pivotal against the Coyotes if similar opportunities arise. Moreover, their shorthanded performance was solid as well; although faced with adversity one time during shorthanded play, they did not concede any goals.


Mar 12, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Wild center Connor Dewar (26) skates against Arizona Coyotes center Jack McBain (22) during the second period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In another remarkable performance against Montreal Canadiens on December 22, 2023, Minnesota showcased offensive prowess by scoring four goals from twenty-four shots – an impressive seventeen percent shooting accuracy. They also demonstrated strong defensive play by blocking eleven shots and winning forty-nine percent of faceoffs despite being penalized seven times for a total of twenty-five minutes.


However, it wasn't just about offense; goaltending played a crucial role too. In both games mentioned above – against Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens – goaltenders saved ninety-one percent and eighty-eight percent respectively under even strength conditions.


Mar 12, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Brett Ritchie (24) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

When comparing these performances to those from earlier in December when MIN faced off against Boston Bruins away from home on December 20th and emerged victorious after overtime with four goals scored out of thirty shots (thirteen percent shooting accuracy), it becomes evident that consistency has been key for them throughout this period.


The upcoming clash will test whether MIN can maintain such consistency while also managing fatigue as this will be their third game within less than a month's span. However given how well-rounded their gameplay has been - strong defense coupled with efficient offense - there is reason for optimism among fans who hope to see another win added to their tally before heading into mid-February break.


Fans should mark their calendars for February 14 at 9:30 PM ET when MIN takes on ARI at Mullett Arena in Tempe AZ. The match will be broadcasted nationally via ESPN+ online platform while local viewers can catch all action live through BSWI channel number six hundred sixty-nine or BSN channel number six hundred sixty-eight depending upon location within respective broadcast regions.

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