A respectful member of the wild fanbase came to our boards and gave a breakdown on the wild season.
I would like to do the same, just so you guys get a bit of a feel on our team.
Canucks
Lets first talk about the main reason the Canucks are even in an opportunity like this (Even with normal playoff setup).
Jacob Markstrom has been absolutely stupid for the canucks in the past couple years.
Don't let the stats fool you, he has stolen more games for Vancouver in the last two years than any goalie in the league.
When markstrom got hurt, the canucks absolutely collapsed, they are a completely different team without him, he is absolutely one of the best goalies in the league, and a potential Vezina goalie in the near future.
For offense: The canucks have JT miller, petey and newly aquired Toffoli who has fit like a glove alongside both lines.
Petey is extremely creative, highly skilled offensive two way center, while Miller for some reason has been the perfect fit for him, and a perminant stable moving forward.
The 2nd line is a more defensive reliable line, still has firepower, but boeser has not looked quite right all year, wild could absolutely do damage here.
Ferland has been hurt all year, but apparently is 100% healthy, should be a nice boost.
Gaudette is a solid young player, but gets babysat in matchups the most on the canucks.
Virtanen is having a resurgence, coming off back to back impressive seasons.
The fourth line is your typical fourth line, they hit, mostly defensive reliable, nothing crazy to talk about here.
As for the Defense.
Quinn Hughes / Tanev - What needs to be said about Quinn Hughes? top 5 young defender in the game, absolutely dynamic with his skating, completely changed the entire makeup of the canucks back end, he is a special talent.
Tanev is having the best year of his career at his old ass age, and the first healthy season, maybe ever?
Edler / Stecher - Edler is having a pretty standard season, stecher has been fine, but nothing to write about.
Fantenberg / Myers - Myers has been a pretty bad all year, some good games but mostly disapointing.
Fantenberg has been a nice surprise.
Overall: I think the wild has a vastly superior defense over the Canucks, I don't think it's mostly close honestly. The wild could vary easily shut down the canucks top stars, with guys like brodin and suter. Not to mention, Dumba is one of my favorite D-men in the league, future stud.
That being said, Quinn Hughes is a complete game changer, game breaker, he is the key here.
Goaltending is a huge edge for Vancouver, Markstrom has found a completely different level.
Offense - Canucks Edge for sure, but the wild have some really talented forwards who are very reliable.
Fiala especially is coming into his own, a fantastic talent, could be a major factor in the wild beating the Canucks.
What does it come down too?
Honestly, if the wild shut down the Canucks offense with the amazing defense, and dubnyk plays good enough, wild could win.
I still feel the game will go all 5 games.
Thanks for having me.
cheers