Without goal scorer Marian Gaborik and goalie Manny Fernandez the Minnesota Wild are a struggling road team. The performances of Gaborik and Fernandez helped the Wild break an 11 game road losing streak last week with wins against Vancouver, Edmonton and Chicago.
Gaborik, who missed 34 games because of a groin injury, returned to the lineup against Vancouver, scored two goals and put the NHL on notice the Wild is a different team when he plays. Former Minnesota North Stars president Lou Nanne told Sports Headliners that Gaborik has “tremendous talent and skills.” He also said Gaborik probably is a “top 20” goal scorer among NHL players based on a full season. At 24, Gaborik’s “best years” should be coming up, according to Nanne. Gaborik has already had three 30 goal or better seasons for the Wild.
Fernandez was superb in the road wins including 38 saves against Chicago. That stretch was the kind of consistency Nanne said Fernandez must have for the Wild to cause a stir in the playoffs. Last season Fernandez had career and club highs for appearances and wins. He was sixth in the NHL in saves and goals against average.
Nanne believes the Wild can be a top five team in the Western Conference. He said the team is now “in position to move up in the standings.” Minnesota is only two points behind Vancouver in the Northwest Division.
The Wild are back in Chicago this Friday night, hoping to win their seventh straight game over the Blackhawks. All three of the wins this season have been in overtime.