Episode 128

🏆 Final Score🏆
Minnesota Wild 1 – Vancouver Canucks 3

💬 Water Cooler One-Liner:

The Wild dominated the game but couldn’t solve Kevin Lankinen, dropping a tough 3-1 decision to the Canucks.

📊 Quick Hits – Game at a Glance:

• Winner: Kiefer Sherwood (Game-winning goal, 16:15 3rd period)

• Turning Point: Sherwood’s late goal in the third period, breaking the 1-1 tie.

• Standout Stat: Wild outshot Vancouver 38-20 but couldn’t capitalize.

• Goaltending Anchor: Filip Gustavsson made 17 saves, while Lankinen stopped 37 of 38 shots.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Missed Opportunities: The Wild dominated the shot count (38-20) and had multiple high-danger chances but couldn’t beat Lankinen, who stood tall in net.

2️⃣ Faber’s Power Play Goal: Brock Faber tied the game in the third period with a crucial power-play goal, but the momentum was short-lived.

3️⃣ Late Breakdown: A defensive miscue led to Sherwood’s game-winner, as the Wild’s fourth line and third defensive pair got caught out of position.

⭐ Three Stars of the Game:

1. ⭐ K. Lankinen (VAN • Goalie): 37 saves, .974 SV%, game-stealing performance.

2. ⭐ F. Hronek (VAN • Defenseman): 2 assists, key setup man.

3. ⭐ E. Pettersson (VAN • Center): 1 goal, snapped a long goal drought.

📊 By The Numbers:

• Shots on Goal: Wild 38 – Canucks 20
• Faceoff %: Wild 62.5% – Canucks 37.5%
• Power Play: Wild 50% (1/2) – Canucks 33.3% (1/3)
• Penalty Minutes: Wild 11 – Canucks 9
• Hits: Wild 31 – Canucks 29
• Blocked Shots: Wild 16 – Canucks 21
• Giveaways: Wild 16 – Canucks 11
• Takeaways: Wild 8 – Canucks 4

📰 Around the Team:

• Kaprizov Watch: Kirill Kaprizov remains out but is progressing in recovery.

• Trade Deadline Recap: The Wild added Justin Brazeau, a 6’6’’ power forward, in a deal with Boston. He made his debut in this game.

• Fleury’s Final Matchup with the Pens? The Wild’s next game could be the last time Marc-André Fleury faces his former team.

🎯 Stat Spotlight:

• Lankinen Stands Tall: Vancouver’s goalie stole the game, stopping 37 shots.

• Power Play Breakthrough: The Wild’s PP had been struggling but converted on 50% of its chances in this game.

• Blocked Shot Battle: Canucks defense stepped up, blocking 21 shots to stifle the Wild attack.

🗓️ Next Up:
• Opponent: Pittsburgh Penguins
• Date: March 9, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM CST
• Where to Watch: TNT, truTV Max

📬 Final Whistle:

A frustrating loss in Vancouver, but the Wild are playing strong hockey despite the result. With a long homestand ahead, they have a chance to bounce back in a crucial playoff push. Stay locked in with Wild Hockey Insider for more updates! 🚨