The Wild have been getting a lot more offense from their blueline recently, but especially in their latest game against the Anaheim Ducks.
ST. PAUL - The Wild have gotten a lot more offense from their blueline recently than before. Last night against the Anaheim Ducks the Wild's blueline was extremely active and created many chances at even strength.
"Yeah, it's something we want to continue to emphasize and be able to have a five-man attack and I think in the league today you have to be able to have your defensemen activating and being a part of the rush," Wild head coach John Hynes said. "Whether they're making it a three-on-two or a four-on-three, or in the offensive zone whenever there's motion and they're diving down and being a part of the offense."
Their first goal of the night came from a Zach Bogosian point shot. The goal came after Jonas Brodin made a play along the wall before getting it to Marco Rossi behind the net. Rossi then fed the point for a Bogosian blast.
After Brodin made the play and pass to Rossi, he went straight to the front of the net instead of retreating to the point. This turned into a screen in front of Lukas Dostal which led to the Bogosian goal.
Brodin took some time to read the play from the point before creeping down along the wall to poke the puck free. It was a very heads-up play by Brodin which turned into a goal.
The Wild's defensemen finished the game with eight shots and one goal. All six defensemen combined for eight shots on nine attempted. Which was eight of the Wild's 31 total shots.
In fact, since January 18th the Wild have ranked at the top of the league in goals scored by their defensemen. The Colorado Avalanche are second behind the Wild in that span.
"I think it's something that when we're playing our best, those guys are willing skaters and active," Hynes said on the defensemen making offensive plays. "I think that the demand of them to be part of the offense is important and it's more of the style of game that we got to continue to grow."
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