ST. PAUL, MINN. – The Wild capped off a 4-2 win on Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche at home in their third preseason game of the year.
Although he didn't score, the Wild’s young forward Marco Rossi had a very impressive game. So much so, that Wild head coach Dean Evason went as far as saying it was one of the best games that the staff has seen out of him.
Rossi, 22, came into camp 15 pounds heavier than he did last training camp with all of it being muscle.
Related: Marco Rossi is motivated for the NHL season and hopes to make a big impact.
Evason said the number one thing they really want to see out of Rossi is his mature level and if it could be where they expect and want it to be.
After the Wild's win, Evason said Rossi has looked more mature by the way he is playing the game.
"One of the best games we've seen," Evason said on Rossi's game against the Avalanche on Thursday. "He carried the puck and had pace to his game. Was strong down there defensively and didn't look out of place physically."
Rossi is engaging in board play, is expressing himself physically, and is showing he is not afraid to showcase a little grit, which is exactly what the coaching staff and the Wild brass want to see out of their former ninth-overall pick.
The 5-foor-9 center left practice yesterday after taking a skate to the face but he returned to the ice today with about 17 stitches on his jaw.
If the Wild want to take a huge jump this year and do some damage come postseason time, having Rossi breaking out on the third line would provide the Wild with three good scoring lines.
There is no doubt Rossi needs to have a big year and an early indication in camp suggests he will.
Related reading
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Wild reduce training camp roster to 40 players.
Wild preseason game 4 preview: Wild host the Blackhawks tonight.
Wild roster hopeful, Vinni Lettieri makes a strong statement in Minnesota's 4-2 win over Colorado.
