Wild show Jets that this series won’t come easy in Game 1

The Minnesota Wild put up a valiant effort against the Winnipeg Jets, but it ultimately wasn’t enough in Game 1.

The hockey world has detailed exhaustively how improbable a series win will be for the Minnesota Wild against the Winnipeg Jets. They’re without stud defenseman Ryan Suter for the entirety. They’re going against a hungry Jets team featuring young star Patrik Laine and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. From what’s being said, Minnesota should be done before the puck has even dropped.

And while the Wild didn’t come away with a victory in Game 1, falling 4-2, they showed that this isn’t going to be a one-team affair. That’s especially true if they get this same performance from Devan Dubnyk every night. He stopped 40 shots while giving up three, and he was heavily peppered in the third but stood tall to keep his team in it.

Then again, if Minnesota continues to give up this number of chances every game, there’s only so much Dubnyk can do. And that’s to be expected. Losing Suter is a tough task to overcome. He averages more ice time than any one else in the NHL.

But the Wild showed everyone that they’re in this for the long haul. They went into the third down 1-0, but roared back to take a 2-1 lead on goals by veterans Matt Cullen and Zach Parise. Minutes later, Jets defenseman Joe Morrow gave Winnipeg the lead for good. Patrik Laine (of course) and Mark Scheifele also scored for the Jets.

Nevermind the loss; the Wild will certainly have to move on quickly. They should look at this game as an absolute building block for Game 2.

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