Team Snapshot
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Key Insight
Minnesota sits 7th overall with 102 points through 79 games, anchored by elite special teams and defensive structure that compensates for middling 5v5 scoring. The contradiction: a top-3 power play (25.5%, 64 goals) masks 10th-ranked overall offence, while 5th-ranked goals against (2.91/game) conceals a bottom-half penalty kill (17th, 79.2%) that has surrendered 42 power play goals. The primary risk is third-period defence—87 goals conceded in final frames erases nearly all the goal differential built earlier, leaving Minnesota vulnerable in tight games despite elite standings position.
Strengths
Elite power play at 3rd in NHL (25.5%, 64 goals) generates nearly one goal per four opportunities, turning special teams into a primary scoring engine that compensates for middling 5v5 production and directly drives wins in tight divisional games.
Top-5 goals against (5th, 2.91/game) anchored by dominant first- and second-period defence (63 and 68 goals conceded respectively) creates consistent leads entering final frames and limits opponent scoring chances through 40 minutes.
Road record of 23–12–4 outpaces home performance (22–10–8), demonstrating structural resilience in hostile environments and suggesting defensive discipline translates effectively away from home ice.
