Wild Knows It Must Play Game 3 Like It's Game 7
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Wild understands that Game 3 when you are down 2-0 in a series is almost like a Game 7. If you lose, it's all but over.
WCCO's Mike Max was at the Wild's morning skate and found out what adjustments the team pans to make for Game 3.
Devin Dubnyk celebrated his birthday Monday, but he wants to really celebrate it Tuesday after Game 3, which he and the Wild hopes is a win
"I was working for one the day before but I'll have to settle for one the day after hopefully," Dubnyk said.
The Wild's morning skate gate was a tune-up. Most of the work they've done has been to figure out why they were on the short end in the first two games.
"We were giving up the pucks. We weren't supporting each other. We were just kind of making it easy for them out there," Charlie Coyle said. "We were kind of giving them their goals, obviously they finished them but we gave them their chances. We can't afford to do that, especially against a team like that. It's within our team."
The Minnesota Wild understand while they control some of it, there's also an opponent on the other side in the Chicago Blackhawks. And that's the biggest problem: They're playing the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks are gifted, and when they decide to play at a high level, they play at a high level. Coming home does not guarantee a remedy for the Wild.
"I just don't think for us to expect to come home and play better just because we did it last year. That's now how it works. We just have to be a lot better," Zach Parise said.
Justin Fontaine limped off the ice during Tuesday's morning skate. Jordan Schroeder could play for the first time this series.
"It's fun. The energy, the speed of the game, the pace and the excitement from the crowds. You have to enjoy these moments," Schroeder said.
But whovever plays, it's obvious it's a must-win in any language.
