Wild vs. Blues: Game 5 prediction

Mar 7, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Nate Prosser (39) and forward Mikko Koivu (9) pull St Louis Blues forward Magnus Paajarvi (56) and defenseman Carl Gunnarsson (4) away from the goalie in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Minnesota Wild continue their postseason by winning a must-win Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues?

Many had the Minnesota Wild as one of their favorites to win the 2017 Stanley Cup. However, they quickly found themselves down 3-0 in their best of seven series against the St. Louis Blues. A Game 4 win ensured them they wouldn’t face the same fate as the Chicago Blackhawks, who got swept by the Nashville Predators. However, every game from here on out is a must-win for Minnesota.

They must start getting pucks past Blues goaltender Jake Allen. A hot goaltender is the last thing anyone wants to see in the postseason. If you have any doubts what a hot goalie can do, just ask the 2010 Washington Capitals. Devan Dubnyk has been good so far this series, but he needs to continue to be great like he was in Game 4. Especially if his team can’t figure out Allen. Such is the life of a goaltender.

On the other side of the ice, the Blues are looking to put an end to this series. Their goalie has been their best player. While the Blues offense hasn’t been terrific, it’s been good enough to win games. Joel Edmundson and Jaden Schwartz are tied for the team lead with two goals each. Schwartz, Patrik Berglund and Alex Steen each have three points, tied for the team lead.

Prediction

Minnesota will pull out another one at home. They responded well to the pressure of Game 4. Minnesota has been the better team this series, they’ve just gotten terrible luck. St. Louis must rebound from Game 4’s lackluster effort on offense. But right now, it looks like Minnesota has the momentum.

Wild beat Blues in overtime 3-2.

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