The Minnesota Wild had a strong season overall, which inevitably led them to the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Wild’s run was cut short in the first round by the Vegas Golden Knights. That doesn’t mean that there weren’t a lot of great things to come out of this season that the team and fans alike can look forward to for next season. Of course, there are still things that need to change in 2022. Here is the Minnesota Wild 2021 season review!
Offense
One of the big things that changed for Minnesota heading into this season was their offense. The addition of rookie Kirill Kaprizov completely changed how the Wild’s offense played. Kirill has added an extra boost of speed that they had been missing. I was surprised at how quickly Karpizov connected with his new teammates. Even early on in the season, there seemed to be a good amount of chemistry.
The downside of the offense isn’t really on the players, but the coaching staff. Dean Evason needs to have more faith in his playmakers. Let them figure out more ways to move the puck and the goals will follow. Also, the team shouldn’t be afraid to take some risks. Switch up lines to find the best fit between players. Do anything to make your team unpredictable to the opposition.
Defense
The Minnesota defense really lit up in the playoffs. Blocked passes and shots are really what kept them in the series for the whole seven games. That is the type of intensity that they needed all season and I’m really happy that they’re playing into it.
The only negative thing I have to say about the defense is that they need to solidify their passing. There were several chances at getting a breakaway but they couldn’t complete a pass, which would end up as icing. If they can fix that in the offseason, they’ll be golden.
Goalies
Throughout the season, the duo of Cam Talbot and Kaapo Kahkonen was on fire. Kahkonen showed that he has the capabilities to be a starting goalie in the near future. With both of them ending the season with a save percentage over .900, the Wild should be happy with their depth in the position.
Now I want to clarify, Talbot did an amazing job in the playoffs. I mean he had two shutouts in seven games. That’s not something you can easily do in the playoffs. But you could tell about five games in that he was getting worn out. Instead of putting Kahkonen in to try and wrap up the series, they kept Talbot in, which I feel wasn’t the best idea. Yeah, he probably thought he could power through. But when it comes to the playoffs, you have to do what’s best for the team and I think Kahkonen would’ve been their best bet.
Overall
For a team that is just coming off some rebuild years. I think Minnesota did great. No, they didn’t get that far in the playoffs, but they got there, and for a team that finished 6th in their division last year. I think that’s a damn good improvement. They’re making the necessary moves to get better in the future and with some more time, I think they could be a top-five team in the next few years.
If I had to give them a grade on the season, It’d be a B+. There are still some things that need to be worked out, but there is a lot of potential. They have a good blend of young and older players, a good bit of depth in the crease, and the entire state of hockey behind them. If they can make it through the expansion draft in one piece, things should be looking good for the Minnesota Wild in 2022.
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