The Minnesota Wild's second-round playoff exit is being reexamined in light of the Vegas Golden Knights' deep playoff run. The Golden Knights, who finished the season with a 28-8-1 record under new coach John Tortorella, swept the Colorado Avalanche after they eliminated the Wild. With the Avs being heavy favorites for the Cup, some Wild fans speculated that they could have advanced had they upset Colorado. However, a breakdown of both rosters suggests Vegas had a more talented squad than the Wild, underscoring significant roster deficiencies for Minnesota. The analysis highlights that while the Wild have talent, they still fall short of becoming legitimate Cup contenders without addressing key roster issues.

By the Numbers
  • The Golden Knights had a record of 28-8-1 after hiring Tortorella and made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
  • The Wild finished the season with 104 points, placing third in the Western Conference.
Yes, But

While some may argue Minnesota could have matched up better against Vegas, the analysis suggests that despite their individual talents, roster gaps still hindered their chances against both Colorado and Vegas.

State of Play
  • The Wild upset a marginally better Dallas team in the first round but struggled against Colorado in the second.
  • Absences of key players, like Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin, were notable in their second round struggles.
What's Next

The Wild must focus on bolstering their roster during the offseason by addressing center depth, improving their defensive pairing, and potentially seeking a top-tier center to enhance their championship prospects.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the Wild are in a crucial phase of building their roster to enhance competitiveness against top NHL teams; addressing these concerns can position them closer to true Stanley Cup contention.