Opinion
3 min read

Minnesota Wild Primed for Strategic Skirmish with St. Louis Blues

The Minnesota Wild are gearing up for a strategic battle on home ice against the St. Louis Blues, and fans have every reason to anticipate an electrifying game at the Xcel Energy Center. The upcoming clash is not just another fixture; it's a chance for the Wild to assert their dominance in front of their passionate supporters.


Nov 28, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild in the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at recent performances, the Wild have shown they can adapt and overcome various challenges. On March 10th, they secured a hard-fought victory over the Nashville Predators with a 4-3 scoreline after overtime. This win was characterized by resilience and tactical prowess, as they capitalized on powerplay opportunities and displayed solid goaltending with a save percentage rounding to 100 percent.


In contrast, when facing off against the Colorado Avalanche on March 9th in Denver, despite an impressive goaltending performance that also boasted a save percentage rounding to 100 percent, Minnesota fell short in overtime with a final score of 2-1. However, this narrow defeat should not overshadow their potential; it's evident that when Minnesota finds its rhythm—especially during even-strength play—they can be formidable opponents.


Nov 28, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Connor Dewar (26) reaches for the puck against the St. Louis Blues in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The most telling sign of what Minnesota is capable of came from their encounter with the Arizona Coyotes on March 8th at Mullett Arena. The Wild unleashed an offensive onslaught in the third period scoring four goals which contributed to an overwhelming victory of 5-2 over Arizona. Their shooting percentage was an impressive 18 percent that night—a testament to their sharpshooting abilities.


As we turn our attention towards St. Louis Blues' recent form, it's clear that they will be no pushovers either. They've demonstrated tenacity across all periods but particularly shine through even-strength situations where they maintain discipline and efficiency.


Nov 28, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

However, given Minnesota's recent track record and considering this game will be played within the familiar confines of Xcel Energy Center where fan support galvanizes players beyond measure—the scales tip slightly in favor of MIN.


Fans should expect strategic gameplay from both sides but look out for MIN’s ability to exploit powerplay situations while relying on steadfast goaltending as key factors that could tilt this match-up in their favor.


Mark your calendars for March 23rd at 7:00 PM (UTC) when these two teams face off once again—this time under MIN’s roof where every check into the boards echoes louder and every goal scored ignites roars across St Paul’s hockey temple.


Wild enthusiasts can catch all live action via ESPN+ online or tune into BSMW, BSN or BSWI television networks for comprehensive coverage right from puck drop until the final horn blares signaling another chapter in this riveting rivalry.

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