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Predators Overpower Wild at Bridgestone Arena in Dominant Display

In a recent face-off, the Minnesota Wild's record shifted to 30-20 while the Nashville Predators improved to 18-6. The final score read 6-1, with the Predators outscoring the Wild in a decisive victory.


Feb 29, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Yakov Trenin (13) celebrates with teammates after a goal during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Wild faced a challenging night at Bridgestone Arena against the Nashville Predators. Despite an early lead with a goal in the first period, it was all they could muster against a robust Predators defense. The Wild managed to fire off 34 shots but found success only once, translating to a shooting percentage of three percent. Their lone goal stood as their only point of the game.


The team's performance on powerplays did not yield better results; despite having three opportunities and taking four shots during these moments, they failed to capitalize and remained scoreless in powerplay situations. Faceoffs were one area where the Wild showed some strength, winning 53 percent of them overall and an impressive 88 percent during powerplays.


Feb 29, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Cole Smith (36) scores against Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

However, this prowess on faceoffs did not translate into goals or assists for Minnesota. They ended up with two assists throughout the game but struggled defensively as indicated by their minus twenty plus-minus rating.


On special teams, while shorthanded four times due to penalties including one major penalty contributing to thirteen penalty minutes total for Minnesota – they managed four saves and prevented any goals against them during these periods.


Feb 29, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) celebrates with center Gustav Nyquist (14) after a goal during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The goaltending for Minnesota had its moments with twenty-five saves but ultimately allowed six goals on thirty-one shots from Nashville – five of those goals coming at even strength where they faced twenty-six shots.


Conversely, Nashville showcased effective offense and defense throughout all periods scoring two goals in the first period followed by one more in second and finishing strong with three additional goals in third period action. Their shooting accuracy was notable with nineteen percent of their thirty-one shots finding the back of net resulting in six points scored by six different players who contributed fifteen points collectively including nine assists.


Looking ahead after this tough loss on road ice for Minnesota fans can catch next game when Wild visit St Louis Blues at Enterprise Center scheduled for March 2nd at 5:00 PM Central Time which will be broadcasted on BSMW and BSN networks ensuring fans won't miss any action from upcoming match-up.

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