The Minnesota Wild play the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.
Facing the worst team in the NHL would seem, at least on paper anyway, to be the perfect remedy to the Wild’s recent struggles -- just four wins since the beginning of March and a fall from first in the Central Division.
As the losses have piled up in Minnesota, so, too has coach Bruce Boudreau’s frustration with the way his team has been playing, the latest evidence of this occurring during a media availability with reporters prior to Sunday’s game.
He didn’t say much. But that should speak volumes.
From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Q: The team showed little drive against an opponent it might face in the playoffs. How disappointing was that? A: You’re going to have to talk to them about it, not me. Because I can’t get inside their drive.
Q: What’s the message to players today? A: We’ve got to go out there and win a game. That’s what we’ve got to do. If we’re not ready to play, then we’re in trouble.
Devan Dubnyk starts in goal for the Wild.
First place in the Central is no longer a possibility for the Wild, but with four games remaining on their schedule, including today’s contest, they can use that time to try to rediscover themselves heading into the playoffs.