A huge reason for the teams success has been some phenomenal play from the top line, especially when it comes to Mikael Granlund, who has been integral to the team’s postseason success with five points going into the team’s semi final matchup with Chicago.
Granlund was selected by Minnesota with the ninth pick of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent the last three years with the Wild, and has maintained a 40-point average over the last two seasons. His main flaw has been his inability to remain healthy, as injuries have kept him relatively grounded.
Now fully healthy, Granlund has seen time centering the team’s first line alongside Jason Pominville and Zach Parise. He is making huge strides with the team that will hopefully carry over into next season and beyoned.
However, Granlund isn’t the only reason for the Wild’s success. Devan Dubnyk has arguably been the best goaltender in the NHL during his stay in Minnesota. The team has gone 28-9-3 since acquiring him from Arizona. As a result, Dubnyk was selected as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the league’s best goalie.
Although if you ask coach Yeo, Dubnyk is deserving of more than just the Vezina
“We talked about this before, I think he should be a Hart Trophy candidate too for what he’s done for our group,” coach Mike Yeo told the Star-Tribune “Whenever there’s an individual award, you’re always incredibly happy for those players and I think it’s very deserving in his case what he’s done for us and the attitude that he’s had.”
The Minnesota Wild have clicked at the right time. Whether it be the resurgence of Devan Dubnyk or the improvements made by Mikael Granlund, the team has all the tools necessary for their first Stanley Cup.