The Minnesota Wild have started 3-4-2 this season and have lost five out of their past six games, which included a winless three-game East Coast road trip.
The Wild are looking to get some momentum and rebound Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils before Saturday’s contest against the New York Rangers.
Well, the Wild are expected to get one of their most valuable players back in the lineup Thursday. Matt Boldy is projected to return after missing the past seven seven games following his injury in the second game of the season in Toronto.
The 22-year-old's return is perfect timing for the Wild, who sit in sixth place in the Central Division. Boldy had two points in the first two games this season after scoring 31 goals and 63 points during his 81-game sophomore campaign.
Getting one of their best play-driving forwards and scorers back in the lineup is exactly what the Wild need right now.
As the Wild look to get back in the win column for just the third time since Oct. 17, here are three stats that summarize their season so far:
2.76: The Wild have allowed 2.76 expected goals against per 60 at five-on-five through the first nine games, which ranks 23rd in the NHL. At five-on-five, the Wild have allowed the seventh-most shots, and their 3.41 goals against per 60 ranks 30th league wide.
Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury have combined for an .897 save percentage at five-on-five for 28th, too.
Jared Spurgeon’s absence on the blue line has undoubtedly played a role in the Wild's uncharacteristic defensive numbers. But the Wild need to tighten up defensively and get some more saves from their goaltenders.
23: The Wild have 23 five-on-five goals through the first nine games, which is tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for third-most in the league behind the Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings.
So while the Wild have scored at a high rate at even strength, they’ve struggled to convert on the power play, where they rank 21st with a 13.9 percent clip.
67.9%: The Wild’s special teams overall have been an issue early, and that’s especially true for the penalty kill.
The Wild’s penalty kill percentage of 67.9 is tied for dead last in the NHL with the Florida Panthers. So if the Wild want to rebound from their road trip, it’s going to have to start with their penalty kill and special teams collectively.
All Data Via Natural Stat Trick