Minnesota Wild General Manager Bill Guerin calls out young forward over his poor post-season performance
The Minnesota Wild saw their season come to an end last week after losing in Game 6 of their first round Stanley Cup Playoff series to the Dallas Stars.
Last Friday's loss in Game 6 marks the fourth straight year that the Wild have had an early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including 2020's Qualifying Round loss to Vancouver. The Wild have not made it past the first round since 2015, when they lost in the second round to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Many in the organization are growing frustrated with the team's lack of playoff success including General Manager Bill Guerin. But in a recent interview with The Athletic, Guerin had admitted he wasn't happy with one of his young forward, Matthew Boldy and how he performed during the playoffs.
"In talking to a guy like Boldy, his style of play in the playoffs doesn't He's got to change certain things in his game," Guerin said. "It is a different game in the playoffs. It's just different.
He added, "And I think a lot of people get frustrated with that in hockey, but I think it's one of the things that makes hockey great is that it is a whole different ballgame. You look at the goals that are scored, they're hard goals. There's not a lot of pretty goals, and you've just got to get your nose dirty. For him, that's something that he's got to work on."
He added, "And I think a lot of people get frustrated with that in hockey, but I think it's one of the things that makes hockey great is that it is a whole different ballgame. You look at the goals that are scored, they're hard goals. There's not a lot of pretty goals, and you've just got to get your nose dirty. For him, that's something that he's got to work on."
Boldy had a strong regular season, putting up 63 points (31 goals, 32 assists) in 81 games, but his production wasn't good enough during the playoffs, only recording three assists in six games. The 22-year-old's contract extension is set to kick in next season and it will see him earn $7 million AAV, the third-highest salary among those on Minnesota's roster.
Bill Guerin is expected to be very busy this summer as he looks to improve his team ahead of the 2023-24 season. Among those on Minnesota's roster that are set to become UFA's on July 1st include Matt Dumba, John Klingberg, Ryan Reaves.
Previously on Bladeofsteel
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MAI 4 | 133 ANSWERS Minnesota Wild General Manager Bill Guerin calls out young forward over his poor post-season performance Do you think Bill Guerin is on the hot seat entering the 2023-24 season? | ||
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