Instant Analysis: Two Takeaways from the Wild's latest 4-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils.
The Wild started the game with a 2-1 lead over the Devils but later allowed three unanswered on two power play goals by the Devils and watched their lead slip away in a 4-3 loss to the Devils.
The Wild are now 3-4-2 on the season and have lost five of their last six games. Here are two takeaways from the Wild's latest lost to the Devils.
Power play looked okay and scored
Coming into the game the Wild's power play was 0/17 in the last five games but after a great first power play the Wild got another and ended their 0/18 streak getting a power-play goal after Hartman make it 2-1.
The Wild had multiple chances on each of the two power plays and recorded 12 shots through two power plays but Vitek Vanecek stopped 11 of them. The only goal the Wild scored came after Calen Addison fired a shot towards the net and Hartman banged home the rebound.
If the Wild want to turn around their 3-4-2 record and get some momentum, their power play will be a big part of it. Tonight was hopefully a good sign for what's to come even with not scoring in the final minutes with the power play.
Pat Maroon stepping up
When The Wild traded for Pat Maroon not many people expected him to put up that many points especially seeing who he was set to replace. Maroon has been thought of as a very effective enforcer on the fourth line who can bring leadership to the locker room.
He has won three Stanley cups, which included three in a row. One with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and two with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
That being said, Maroon was brought to Minnesota to replace Ryan Reaves and provide what Reaves did for the Wild. But without Matt Boldy, Maroon got the chance to slide into a spot with Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Johansson.
Maroon started the year with a lot of great passes which made the move to the second line a fine move. With a goal and an assist tonight, Maroon has seven points in his last six games.