Wild Vs Avalanche Game 5 Preview
Mike Adams | National Hockey League
Apr 17, 03:00 PM | Hype this story!
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Wild (3) vs. Avalanche (6) Game 5
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Series Score: Wild 2 – Avalanche 2
Game Time: 10:00 EDT
Location: Xcel Energy Center (Minnesota)
Television: TSN
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Preview
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In Game 4, one team finally dominated, with the Avs winning 5-1. That broke a string of three consecutive 3-2 overtime games between the two closely-matched rivals. The story of the game, aside from the score, was an ugly third period that prompted Avs coach Joel Quenneville to keep Peter Forsberg off the ice.
It all seemed to start with a dirty hit by Stephane Veillieux on Paul Stastny. The Wild forward left his feet to hammer Stastny into the boards. It all went downhill from there, with Wild coach Jacques Lemaire seemingly intent on “sending a message” for Game 5.
But don’t look for much of a carryover tonight. The Wild must get back to playing hockey, or they won’t be long for this series. Regular-season scoring leader Marian Gaborik remains pointless in the series, so the Wild are lucky to be coming home even. Brian Rolston, Mikko Koivu, and Brent Burns have stood head and shoulders above their teammates thus far, and must continue to do so with Gaborik struggling.
Likewise, Paul Stastny remains pointless for the Avalanche, but the Avs’ other stars have carried them in his absence. Jose Theodore had an easy time of it in Game 4, and the Wild need to put pressure on him early tonight. The Avs have done a great job getting the early jump against Minnesota, scoring first in every game. They will look to do it again tonight to take what is sure to be a rabid Minnesota crowd out of the game early.
For a complete list of team leaders and statistics, click here.
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Injuries
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Minnesota: Foster, DTD (leg); Kelly, DTD (ankle); Schultz, DTD (appendix); Parrish (head)
Colorado: Clark, IR (shoulder); Leopold, DTD (hip); Parker, DTD (ankle); Svatos, DTD (knee)
Comments
Jonathan Farzalo
Apr 17, 06:08 PM
I know the old saying, “defense wins championships” is a pretty true thing….but let’s be honest here…in the NHL today, you HAVE to compliment that with a very solid offense. The Wild, while holding players that have that ability, still cling to a much too defensive game for the NEW NHL.
Just my opinion. Win or not, the Wild will not go far in the Playoffs today with the system and style they play.
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