There were plenty of questions being asked of Jack Eichel and his play early on in this first-round series. The Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild looked like it was going down a shocking road. Eichel struggled in the early portion of the set against the Minnesota Wild . The 28-year-old forward was held without a point in the first three games of the series.
This allowed Minnesota to build up a shocking two games to one series lead. However, the former second overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft turned it around as the Golden Knights advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Vegas turned things around and made past a game Minnesota squad. Let’s review the Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild series.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild Series Review
Jack Eichel Leads the Revival
Eichel started putting things together with an assist in the Knights 3-2 overtime-win in Game 4. However, he really started to pick up his play with a pair of points in Games 5 and 6.
However, the Boston University product saved his best performance for last. Eichel’s wrist shot found the back of the net and gave the Knights a 2-1 lead. Captain Mark Stone would bag the eventual game-winning goal for Vegas.
The last two games of the series showed that Eichel can be a thorn in the side of either the Edmonton Oilers or Los Angeles Kings in round two. It took Eichel a while to get started, but a warmed-up playmaker could be a massive headache.
Making a Stand on the Hill
Adin Hill has one Stanley Cup under his belt and will be a main reason if Vegas gets another one. He slowly got better as the series went along.
Two of the Golden Knights victories were in overtime and the Comox, British Columbia native made some massive saves. His save percentage got back over .900 in Game 4 and 5. However, he saved his best for Game 6 with 29 stops on 31 shots for a .935 save percentage.
Good goaltending is a major ingredient if a team wants to hoist the Stanley Cup. Hill regaining his form will be a massive sign if the Golden Knights want to lift the vaunted silver chalice for the second time in three seasons.
Shoot to Thrill
One sad thing about the Wild’s elimination is that fans won’t get to see the exploits of forward Kirill Kaprizov until October. The Russian finished with nine points in six games and he almost carried Minnesota to a shocking first-round upset.
He gave Vegas’ usually steady defence a ton of headaches in the first few games of the series. Kaprizov and linemate Matt Boldy were shining stars for the Wild in this series. Head coach John Hynes was even double-shifting Kaprizov in the third period in order to spur the team on.
Ryan Hartman gave Wild fans a chance to dream, but the Golden Knights held on to clinch the series. Kaprizov can sign a contract extension on July 1 and that could be a big wad of money for the 28-year-old. However, he’ll seemingly be worth every penny.
A Farewell to the Flower
This series marks the end of the storied career of future Hall of Fame goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury . One of the men known as “The Flower” (Guy Lafleur was first) will ride off into the sunset with three Cups and a Vezina Trophy to his name.
Fleury came in for an ill Filip Gustavasson in Game 5 to try and help Minnesota wrest control of the series. However, it wasn’t meant to be as Brett Howden scored what would be the last goal on him for his career.
It seemed only fitting that Fleur’s career ends against a team that he won that lone Vezina with. The Sorel-Tracy, Quebec native finishes his career as of on the best post-season netminders in recent memory.
What’s Next
The Golden Knights continue their charge to add another crown to their realm. They’ll have home ice for the series as they await the Oilers or Kings. Vegas is one of the teams that are a favourite to be in the mix when all is said and done.
Minnesota now moves on to reload after a surprising season. The Wild will have shaken off the massive buyout hits from Zach Parise and Ryan Suter . Some of that money is already earmarked for Brock Faber and will go to Karpizov. However, Minnesota could be on a shopping spree to fill out that promising lineup.
Imagn Images: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
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