Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Hopes: Minnesota Wild Are Not A Concern

5 of 7

Feb 21, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise (11) on the bench in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Xcel Energy Center. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Solid Depth

The Wild’s greatest strength has to be their depth. They currently have 10 players with double digit goals and 6 players with over 40+ points. Most of the Wild’s players are home grown and in their mid-twenties. Their speed and forecheck make them dangerous especially if they’re rolling four lines.

The defense is just as deep as the forwards. Second in the league with a goal differential of +60, the Wild defenseman are keeping the puck out of the net which matters the most in the playoffs. Their young defensemen have grown up and have some playoff experience making them less of a liability on the ice. They also have some players that have some nice offensive ability like Jared Spurgeon and Ryan Suter who are assist machines.

This summer could be interesting for the Wild considering they have key players with expiring contracts. Mikael Granlund, Nino Niederreiter, and Erik Haula are all pending restricted free agents. We’ll see if they’re able to hold onto them all.

PASS