Minnesota Wild Throwing Away Chance at Postseason

The Wild can't seem to win their must win games and fans are getting tired of it.

It’s a common problem with many teams, but the Minnesota Wild struggle in this area nearly every season, even the ones where they make the postseason. That is their lack of urgency in must-win games. While they compete in every game, there are games where they clearly have more effort than others. It’s the same with every team in the NHL, but the Wild seem to have those games during the most crucial parts of the season. 

Now, the thing to remember is that the lack of effort may be harder to notice when the games aren’t as important. They may not have the same level of effort all season, but it’s most noticeable when they aren’t winning the must-win games. While I’m all about postseason hockey and want the Wild to go as far as possible, it makes you feel like they don’t deserve to go if they don’t find a way to give it their all in every game possible. 

Of course, a handful of games per season where they don’t give their best possible effort is okay and normal, but the teams that go to the postseason and win the Stanley Cup don’t lack effort in must-win games. Realistically, the Wild may be a piece or two away from winning the Stanley Cup, but that doesn’t mean they can’t give it their all and make a run; they have to be willing to. 

In their must-win games, it seems like nearly everyone disappears, with the exception of the rookies who are working to earn a spot. Or the top line is the only line that contributes, and the team