Wild get massive offensive boost as key veteran returns
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Marcus Johansson is officially back in the active lineup for the Minnesota Wild. Head coach John Hynes made the final roster call this morning.
The veteran winger brings a highly needed playmaking element back to the offensive group.
His return means a shift in the bottom six. Nico Sturm will sit out tonight as a healthy scratch.
It is always a frustrating reality for a hard-working depth player to come out of the mix.
But internal competition is exactly what this club needs as the schedule tightens up.
The Wild are currently sitting comfortably in third place in the Central Division.
They have banked a solid 85 points through 64 games on the campaign.
Gustavsson Secures The Crease
Filip Gustavsson is confirmed as the starting netminder tonight.
He has to be sharp as the team navigates the final, grueling stretch of the regular season.
Minnesota has scored 215 goals this season while only allowing 185 against.
This plus-30 goal differential proves they can suffocate opponents in their own end on a nightly basis.
They are playing incredibly consistent hockey right now.
The Wild have posted a stellar 7-2-1 record over their last ten trips to the ice.
Their road record has been exceptional, going 19-9-4 away from their home barn.
They are currently chasing the Dallas Stars, who sit just three points ahead of them at 88 points.
Injecting a healthy Johansson into the lineup makes their middle six forwards far more threatening.
His crisp passing and knack for executing controlled entries will immediately boost the transition game.
The special teams units should also see a noticeable bump in offensive output with him back out there.
With 37 wins already secured, the focus in the locker room has shifted heavily toward playoff positioning.
The Western Conference is an absolute gauntlet this spring.
The Colorado Avalanche are setting a relentless pace at the top of the division with 95 points.
Minnesota knows they need every single point available to secure home-ice advantage for the first round.
Having their veteran forwards healthy and their goaltending dialed in is the perfect formula for a deep run.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 10|38 ANSWERS Wild get massive offensive boost as key veteran returns Can the Wild overtake the Dallas Stars for second place in the Central Division? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 52.6 % |
| No | 18 | 47.4 % |
| List of polls | ||