ST. PAUL, Minn.
Nathan MacKinnon and his equally skilled Colorado linemates Gabe Landeskog and Paul Stastny were too fast for Minnesota in the first two games.
In losing twice to the Avalanche, the Wild found themselves flat-footed at the wrong times and letting their potent, young opponent dictate the pace and flow.
So how to change the direction of the series? Going home is a good place to start.
After Landeskog, MacKinnon and Stastny combined for four goals and six assists Saturday in Game 2, the Wild now will have the benefit of the last change in Game 3.
That means coach Mike Yeo can match Matt Cooke, Erik Haula and Nino Niederreiter with the MacKinnon express, a mix of grit and speed that could help the Wild stem the tide a bit.
“I’m a third-line player for a reason, and I feel like that’s the best way I’m able to contribute,” Cooke said. “Obviously I want that matchup.”
Here are a few more things to know about the series as it shifts Monday for Game 3:
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The Wild survived injury and illness involving their top three goalies this season, surging into the playoffs behind fourth option Ilya Bryzgalov. But Bryzgalov was pulled from Game 2 in the second period. Darcy Kuemper entered and stopped all 14 shots he faced.
Asked after practice Sunday who will get the assignment, Yeo was glib.
“Yes, we will,” the coach said, smiling.
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Semyon Varlamov led the NHL this season with a whopping 41 victories, but the Avalanche won Game 1 without a strong showing by their goalie. Varlamov was much better in Game 2.
“We were a little nervous in the first game. Some of us never played in the playoffs. It was pretty tough to start. When you’re nervous you sometimes try to do different things,” Varlamov said.
Coach Patrick Roy didn’t need the relief, though.
“A lot of people thought a lot about the first game but, hey, he played well enough to win,” Roy said. “I had no doubt in my mind he was going to play a really solid game. He was sharp. He made the key save. I have so much confidence in him and faith in him.”
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The Wild finished 26-10-5 at Xcel Energy Center this season, the seventh-best record in the league. For fans who haven’t celebrated a series victory by this team since 2003, anticipation for the first home game is high.
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Teams that win the first two games in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup playoffs series have an all-time series record of 287-45, a winning percentage of .864.
“We just want to remain focused,” Roy said. “Can’t make a conclusion after only two wins. Now all we’ve earned is a chance to win Game 3 tomorrow.”
