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Wild's Powerplay Prowess Not Enough Against Avalanche's Strength

The Minnesota Wild, with a record of 45-28-9, faced off against the Colorado Avalanche, who held a 54-23-5 record. Despite a strong start, the Wild fell to the Avalanche with a final score of 2-5.


Apr 9, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) controls the puck as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard (49) defends in the third period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In an intense matchup at Ball Arena in Denver, the Minnesota Wild showcased their powerplay capabilities by scoring both their goals during man advantages in the first period. The team capitalized on two out of five powerplay opportunities and demonstrated remarkable efficiency by winning 80 percent of faceoffs during these crucial moments. However, their overall shooting percentage stood at nine percent as they managed to put only two out of their total 22 shots past the opposing goaltender.


The Wild's goaltender faced an onslaught from the Avalanche offense, saving 27 out of 32 shots for a save percentage that rounded up to one hundred percent. Despite these efforts between the pipes, four even-strength goals slipped through along with one shorthanded goal against them. The defensive side also saw action as they blocked eleven shots and delivered eight hits throughout the game.


Apr 9, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Brandon Duhaime (12) controls the puck ahead of Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

On special teams beyond powerplays, Minnesota struggled while shorthanded; they allowed one goal from nine shots against them and won only twenty percent of faceoffs in those situations. Even strength play was evenly matched in terms of faceoff wins but ultimately did not translate into goals for the Wild.


The Colorado Avalanche presented a formidable challenge with fourteen hits and twelve blocked shots contributing to their robust defense. Their offense was more efficient than that of Minnesota's; they scored five goals on thirty-two shots for an impressive sixteen percent shooting accuracy. The home team also converted one out of four powerplays into a goal while successfully defending all but two powerplays against them thanks to ten saves made during those shorthanded moments.


Apr 9, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Brandon Duhaime (12) controls the puck ahead of Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

As fans look ahead after this tough loss on away ice, they can mark their calendars for when Minnesota will take on another challenging opponent—the Vegas Golden Knights—at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 13th at 7:00 PM local time (9:00 PM CST). This upcoming game will be available for viewing across various networks including ESPN+ online and BSNX TV along with SCRIPPS internet streaming services.

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