Winnipeg Jets vs. Minnesota Wild: Game 3 prediction
As the series shifts back to Minnesota the Wild are in full desperation mode looking for their first win. While the Winnipeg Jets look to continue their cruise to victory.
The fans in Winnipeg for the first two games of the series were outstanding. They held two whiteout events that looked great on television and the outside was packed with fans for a viewing party. As the series shifts south to the “State of Hockey” fans of Minnesota will not be as happy. They have watched their team in back to back games struggle to generate any sustained offense while getting picked apart on defense.
Winnipeg was expected to be the better team but no one thought they would be this dominant. Dustin Byfuglien has successfully made his physical presence known by trying to turn multiple Wild players into advertisements on the boards. Laine is showing why he was the second highest goal scorer in the league. And Connor Hellebuyck is one of the great young goaltenders in the league.
Those storylines are great but the biggest surprise has been the fourth line. Adam Lowry, Andrew Copp and Brandon Tanev deserve a ton of credit for the Jets’ success. Even Minnesota’s top line has had a tough time matching up with them.
Many knew the Minnesota Wild were in trouble when it was announced Ryan Suter would be out with an injury. He was carrying the Wild on defense averaging over 26 minutes per night. Surprisingly, the Wild’s struggles haven’t been primarily on defense. Their forwards are being dominated by the defense of Winnipeg and they cannot generate any solid zone time.
The top line of Jason Zucker, Eric Staal and Nino Niederreiter have been completely shut down. The Minnesota Wild do not have the depth where they can afford to have their top line locked down. It isn’t all bad for Minnesota, even in two losses goaltender Devin Dubnyk has looked sharp as has rookie Jordan Greenway.
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Prediction
Believe it or the Minnesota Wild will get a win this series. Yes, the Wild have gotten outplayed every game this series but they usually hang around in the games for a while. Heading back to Minnesota and playing in front of their fans is exactly what they need. Charlie Coyle will score, and Zach Parise will score the game-winning goal.
Matthew Dumba will continue his solid play on defense and between Carson Soucy and Nick Seeler one will rise to the occasion and slow the Winnipeg offense. Dubnyk again will need to be strong and seal the deal for the Wild.