Andre Burakovsky has 9 goals in his last 14 games. (Caps Outsider)
On Friday, the Caps look to bounce back from a 4-3 loss to Montreal against the new-look Minnesota Wild. Minnesota is playing much differently than just two weeks ago. Following a 4-2 loss to Boston, the Wild fired head coach Mike Yeo and replaced him with interim coach John Torchetti, who was coaching their AHL team at the time. Immediately following the coaching change, they won four straight, scoring at least five goals in each, including a 6-1 thrashing of the Blackhawks as part of the NHL’s stadium series.
Prior to Thursday’s game against the Flyers, the Wild have come in winning five of the last six, with the only loss against the Islanders despite thoroughly outplaying them. However, Thursday was different. The Wild looked like their former selves being dominated by the Flyers and eventually losing 3-2. They are now 4 points out of the playoffs. They may be deciding wheather or not to be buyers or sellers at Monday’s trade deadline.
Coming in against the league’s best team after playing Thursday will be a true test for the Wild, as they look to be the first team this season to give the Caps back-to-back regulation loses.
The Caps, who usually play fine after losses, will likely pounce on the Wild early.
Also, major reminder: Friday is Holbeast Action Figure night.
