3 Takeaways From the Wild’s 6-2 Win Over the Bruins

The Minnesota Wild finished their three-game road trip against the Boston Bruins on Saturday evening, Nov. 14. They had almost their full lineup back healthy as Brock Faber made his season debut after being sidelined with a skull fracture sustained in the preseason. The only player still missing due to injury was Filip Gustavsson. 

Jesper Wallstedt was in the net once again, and the Wild got things started with the first goal of the game. They took the lead into the first and built on it with two early goals in the second. The Bruins responded on a power play that got them within two; however, the Wild answered right back to retake the three-goal lead and carried it into the final period. 

The Bruins scored early in the third to cut the lead again, only for the Wild to score two more and take the win 6-2. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few takeaways for how they ended the road trip on a high note, starting with their early start.

Wild’s Early Start to Rescue

The Wild have thrived when they’ve found a way to score first, and they did it again when they faced the Bruins. It did take them a little bit of time, but they scored just under seven minutes into the first and held that lead through the rest of the period.

Something else the Wild have done when they’ve scored first is that they typically score again not long after as the momentum swings their way. Again, against the Bruins it took a little more time to get it going, but they added two quick goals to open the second and had a three-goal cushion that came in handy.

They needed that lead as the Bruins fought to get back into the game with a couple of goals, but the Wild responded shortly after each goal to build the lead back up. Not only did that lead help them, but their ability to bounce back when the Bruins scored was also crucial. Rather than falling back on their heels, they pushed forward and continued to score.

Wild’s Hartman Steps Up

Ryan Hartman had a rough start to the season with just one goal and four assists for five points in 21 games. Against the Bruins, he added to his goal total not just once but twice and gave the Wild crucial leads with both, and he nearly had a hat trick as they continued to succeed offensively. 

He started the season on the top line and has bounced around the lineup since with the injuries and his offensive struggles, but hopefully now he has found that spark and will continue. Normally, he plays with a bit of an edge to his game that comes close to being too much, and in the past he has gone too far; however, last season he figured out the happy medium, and they need that from him again. 

This season, apart from the slow start, they could really use a bit more of that edge and grit in his game again. They need him to stay within that fine line, but a little more would be helpful, especially when they need that energy in their lineup. Against the Bruins, he had a strong performance offensively and didn’t have that style just yet, but if he can keep the scoring going and find that attitude again, he’ll be on his way to a stronger season, and the Wild could use it. 

Wild’s Wallstedt Continues to Fulfill Nickname

The “Wall of St. Paul,” also known as Jesper Wallstedt, continued to live up to his nickname as he had a strong performance against the Bruins. He didn’t get the shutout or goalie goal for his birthday, but he did help get the 6-2 win by making some big saves at critical moments throughout the game. That was also his 14th win of the season, and he continues to lead the league with the most wins. 

Against the Bruins, he wasn’t peppered with shots initially, but as the game went on, he started to face more and more shots. He did allow two goals, and while he would likely want both of them back, they weren’t on his shoulders completely. He continued to step up and make strong saves after those goals and made sure the Wild held the lead and eventually took the win. 

The Wild have a strong number one goaltender in Wallstedt, and although Gustavsson is still recovering, he’ll be back eventually, and it’ll be interesting to see how this goalie tandem works when they’re both back in the lineup. Hopefully, the Wild can continue this strong play and get a win when they return to home ice on Tuesday, Nov. 17, against the Nashville Predators.