Western Conference Playoffs: Handicapping the Race

Feb 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) (center) celebrates the win over the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Wild defeated the Avalanche 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Wild     34-22-7, 75 points, 19 games remaining

It’s tough not to start with the discussion without pointing to their most important player first…Devan Dubyk of course.  All Dubyk’s done in his 21 games since being traded from Arizona is post a 16-3-1 record, 1.65 goals against average, .937 save percentage and 5 shutouts.  Ho-hum.

While he won’t be in the discussions for league’ MVP, there’s no question Dubnyk has been the most valuable Wild since he arrived in town and has carried a team that was on the verge of “epic disaster” to “playoff contender.”  There are still questions whether Dubnyk can keep this up as he was nowhere close to this good in previous stints with Edmonton, Nashville, and Arizona.  But the man is a former first round draft pick, so it’s not like he is some talentless bum who just caught fire.  Maybe he’s just a late bloomer?

It’s no coincidence then that the Wild have gone 14-2-1 in their last 17 either to bring their record from .500 to 12 games above.  This is another team that doesn’t have that superstar on offense they can turn to, but forwards Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, and Jason Pominville among others, have upped their game recently to contribute to an offense that is averaging three goals a game in those last 17.  They also sought help at the deadline and brought in forward Chris Stewart for additional scoring.

Similar to the Jets, the schedule is daunting for the Wild. 14 of their remaining 19 games are against playoff foes including all six of their April contests.  Despite his recent play, would anyone be caught off guard if Dubnyk turned back into a pumpkin?

Prediction: even with the difficult schedule, the Wild are finally playing like the team many thought they would be to begin the season.  I expect them to continue their hot play and earn the first Western Conference wild card spot comfortably.

Next: Can They Overcome Injury to their Star?