LAS VEGAS—In the quest to secure their first playoff series win in a decade, the Minnesota Wild’s success so far can be largely attributed to the performance of their top line.
Through two games, the Wild have showcased strong play against the Golden Knights, resulting in a series tie at 1-1. Attention now turns to Minnesota for Game 3 on Thursday night after a decisive 5-2 victory on Tuesday.
Matt Boldy has been a standout with three goals and an assist in the initial games. Kirill Kaprizov has also made significant contributions with two goals and three assists, while center Joel Eriksson Ek is yet to tally a point.
“Our line is focused on recovering pucks, applying pressure, and maintaining zone presence,” Boldy explained. “This strategy wears out defenders, forcing them to spend more time in their own zone.”
The trio was formed out of necessity during the penultimate game of the regular season, largely due to injuries. Kaprizov had missed 41 games, and Eriksson Ek was absent for 36.
“Ecky, Bowls, and Kirill embody the kind of intense hockey needed for playoff success,” noted Wild coach John Hynes. “They play directly with strong north-south movement. Their synergy of skill and competitiveness makes them a tough line to face.”
In their initial game, a 4-2 loss, Hynes relied heavily on this line, which showed promising results despite the defeat. Statistics from Natural Stat Trick highlight that they were on the ice for 17:22 during 5-on-5 play, unlike other lines that played less than nine minutes.
However, by Game 2, a more balanced approach was evident. Three lines saw more than ten minutes on the ice in standard play, each contributing at least one goal. This diversity in attacks could be advantageous as they confront a Golden Knights team known for utilizing all four lines effectively.
With the series moving back to Minnesota, the Wild aim to capitalize on their momentum. If their top line continues its dominant performance, it places pressure on Vegas to adapt and contain them.
“They bring unpredictability to the ice,” acknowledged Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin. “With their creativity and high level of skill, we must improve our defense against them, as they drive the team’s offensive engine.”
The Wild are hopeful that this series could finally end their long-standing playoff drought.