Minnesota Wild’s 3 Keys to a Successful Road Trip

“Yeah, just like really talked to him a little bit about his game. I like the way that he’s playing, you know a couple of things defensively to tighten up which we saw on video today but also talk to him about…lots of positives in his game too where he’s been tenacious on the puck, he’s been highly competitive, he’s been a factor, he’s generating some chances, that’s a big part of his game and let’s tie in some little tweaks here defensively in the d-zone and keep building his game so more letting him know that we really like his game…” said head coach John Hynes in his post practice interview on Monday when asked about Brink’s game. 

The other two players to watch who weren’t quite as notable but still make an impact are Jared Spurgeon and Michael McCarron. Spurgeon maybe doesn’t fit the not notable description because he’s playing alongside Quinn Hughes in the absence of Brock Faber, but he’s still done a great job filling that role. If fans keep an eye on him, they’ll be able to see his game at a different level as he’s elevated it in a different way playing with Hughes, and it’s worked for him. 

Some may be wondering why McCarron is on this list, but he has assisted on two goals already this season, and he has thrown some hits with Nick and Marcus Foligno as his linemates on the fourth line. However, one area he’s really made an impression is the penalty kill, which is currently at 100 percent after killing off seven penalties through two games. He’s been a big part of that, especially with the assertive stickwork they’ve added this season, and it’s worked. Fans will want to keep an eye on all three of these players, especially over the road trip to see if they can keep up the strong play. 

Wild’s Foligno Brothers Together

This is a special trip for the Foligno brothers as it’ll be their first trip to Buffalo, New York, with both of them on the same team instead of playing against each other. The Foligno brothers were born in Buffalo, and they’ll have extra family in the stands to see them play compared to normal. 

“At the game? Just my sisters, my dad, and just some cousins, I think,” Foligno said to the media following practice Monday when asked about who will be in attendance at the game in Buffalo, and he added, “Yeah, absolutely, I mean it’s fun, it’s a place where you start your career off right? So you’re just excited, still a lot of people staff-wise that still continue to work there and all great people, I mean Buffalo is a great small town but at the same time a lot of great people in that place that helped get me to where I am and a lot of family…”

Their father and sisters will be in attendance to watch them play in Buffalo, and again it won’t be the first time they’ve seen them play in their hometown, but again it’ll be the first time they’re playing on the same team and even better, the same line. Some brothers get to play together on the same team, but not the same line; the Folignos mesh well enough, and their style complements each other so well that they get to play on the same line. 

Starting the road trip off in Buffalo will give the Folignos a little pep in their step that will hopefully carry through the rest of the trip. While they’re professionals who are ready to play every game, having family in the stands that they don’t get to see all the time is an added bonus that will motivate any player. 

Hopefully the Wild can capitalize on the road trip and find that spark that carries them through the rest of the season. The first big road trip of the season is always a good test to see how the team will do, and if they can utilize these keys, they’ll be able to come home with some wins.