Wild Vs. Blues: Important Numbers For Game 3

Apr 18, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period in game two of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

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After the Wild held him largely in check in Game One, Vladamir Taraseko torched them in Game Two, netting a hat trick in the Blues win. As Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune pointed out, Tarasenko is becoming one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the NHL. There are very few players in the league today who are as dangerous as Tarasenko. The Wild can’t afford to devote so much attention to Tarasenko that they lose sight of the other threats the Blues have up front but can’t allow him to have his way yet again. The Wild’s defensive corps will need to find a balance tonight in order to take the series lead through three games.

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