The Minnesota Wild finally broke their two-game losing streak at Xcel Energy Center when they faced the Carolina Hurricanes. The home team fought hard on the rink to secure a 2-1 victory. Indeed, with this victory, they are still in third place in the Central Division, but this has given them the confidence that they needed for their last game ahead of the 4 Nations Face-off break.
On February 8, 2025, the Wild will be facing the New York Islanders at Xcel Energy Center. This will be another home game for the team, and their recent victory made their coach issue a bold statement towards their opponent.
In the post-game interview posted on the Minnesota Wild’s X profile, coach John Hynes shared his thoughts on the match and gave his opinion on the future of the team, stating, “Yeah, we got to be where our feet are, and our feet are now, or having a day tomorrow, make sure we’re prepared for the Islanders. You know, we’ve worked hard from training camp through now.”
Hynes is impressed with the way his players performed in the match, and even though the Wild doesn’t have their best roster out there, they still managed to win. Every single point from now on is crucial for them to make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it is something that the coach wanted to make himself clear about.
“And, you know, these points on Saturday matter and they matter as much as any other ones. And I think that’s where our focus needs to be. And got back to playing the style of game that we needed to play and found a way to win tonight. Now we got to do the same thing on Saturday,” said Hynes confidently, as he’s now looking forward to their game against the New York Islanders on Saturday.
“Got back to playing the style of game we need to play”
Coach Hynes on finishing strong before the break#mnwild pic.twitter.com/sxfJ7j4Twr
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 7, 2025
The Minnesota Wild has 68 points after 55 games played, with 32 wins, 19 losses, and 4 overtime losses. They aren’t so behind the Dallas Stars in the standings, who have 69 points currently. However, the Colorado Avalanche is following the Wild with 66 points, and they are a major concern for them. Indeed, Hynes won’t want to see his team fall off from third place, so they are going for that sweet second place in the Central Division. And their recent win was possible, owing to a goal from their latest member.
Minnesota Wild had high hopes for their recruit
The Nashville Predators had put Vinnie Hinostroza on waivers, and a few days ago, before the Minnesota Wild’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, they acquired him with a mission. Indeed, as their star forward Jakub Lauko recently suffered a lower-body injury, they had to bring in someone who can fill up his shoes. And was he able to do that?
Absolutely! In his debut game in the Wild’s sweater, Hinostroza was able to secure the goal during the third period, giving a tough time to the Canes. He delivered on what he promised prior to the match too! Indeed, during the pre-game interview, Hinostroza shared his thoughts on competing with the Wild, stating, “Yeah, I think it was a quick turnaround, but I’m really happy to be here; you know, everything was set up so nicely, getting here yesterday, and coming in and coming to the rink. Meeting the guys, the coaching staff, and everyone. This is a great place, it seems, and I’m happy to be here.”
Surely, it was an upgrade for the NHL star, and he was glad to be a part of the team now. Furthermore, he was excited to prove himself on the rink, stating, “Anytime you get picked up by a team, it feels good, you know. Obviously, they saw something in me that thinks I can help here in whatever aspect that may be, so I’m just looking to, you know, to me in this team and help them along the way.”
Both Hinostroza and the Wild shared the same goal before the match, which was to secure the win. They were successful in their time on the ice, and this particular player will be looking forward to playing in Minnesota’s sweater for many more games.
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