Minnesota Wild: Keys For the Stretch Run

Feb 10, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien (33) crashes the net as Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) watches the puck during the first period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Continued Strong Play by Dubnyk

The Wild spent much of last night looking like they were skating in pudding. Again, not totally their fault since they played the night before but they had nowhere near the jump we had seen over the previous ten games. Despite this, they were able to secure one point. Devan Dubnyk kept them in a game that had no business being close. His best play of the night was a sprawling stop to thwart one of the Jets’ power play opportunities.

It’s honestly pretty remarkable how well he has played so far. He has bounced around five different NHL teams and is already 28. Usually 28 year-old NHL players are who they are, yet he is outplaying his career numbers by a wide margin. It is not completely out of left field though, as he was playing well in Arizona this season. Even if he regresses to that level of play, the Wild will have a chance. Anything worse than that though and a tough climb will be made even steeper.

Next: Next Man Up