FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Paul Maurice, also known as the “quote machine,” consistently offers intriguing perspectives.
Those who have heard the Stanley Cup-winning coach elaborate on various subjects over his nearly three decades in the NHL can attest to this.
Following the Florida Panthers’ practice on Monday, Maurice was asked for his thoughts on their next opponent, the Minnesota Wild. The Wild have secured points in each of their five games this season and have yet to face a deficit for 300 minutes during regulation. However, they haven’t encountered many challenges, a situation that is about to shift with upcoming matches against the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning in Games 4 and 5 of a seven-game road trip that has begun with a record of 2-0-1.
Moreover, they find themselves in a peculiar segment of the schedule, playing only five times over a span of 16 days.
This makes it difficult to ascertain the true nature of the Wild.
In his preliminary scouting of the Wild, Maurice seems to have recognized this, as he brought up a particular aspect about the team that has been somewhat overlooked — although he refrained from mentioning specific names.
For instance, Marcus Foligno and Yakov Trenin, the tough, aggressive forecheckers on Minnesota’s third line, have yet to find their stride. They were expected to contribute to the Wild’s hard-nosed identity, but each has recorded only one assist over five games, along with 14 and 13 hits, respectively.
“They play hard,” Maurice remarked of the Wild. “Both the Wild and Vancouver share similarities in the intensity they bring to the puck, their emphasis on physicality, and the edge they play with, complemented by high-skill players. They also have some tough competitors who grind it out.”
At that point, Maurice shifted focus to those “tough competitors.”
“Sometimes, an excess of rest can hinder a player’s ability to get into the flow of the grind,” Maurice noted. “There are about five or six players in that lineup who can’t fully engage in their game during practice. They miss the opportunity to fine-tune their skills because they rely on physicality. It’s similar to when they enter training camp and are running drills, you often overlook them until the first exhibition game.”
“Because, quite frankly, it’s the first opportunity they have to hit. For them, it’s all about finding that rhythm. You want to attain the right tempo. The NHL doesn’t permit this phenomenon very frequently. You’re either faced with a series of packed games or left with long stretches of inactivity.”
In essence, as the pace of the schedule increases, players like Foligno and Trenin are expected to find their groove.
That is the hope for the Wild.
Hynes echoed Maurice’s observations and indicated that he plans to meet with Foligno and Trenin prior to Tuesday’s game to review some of their shifts and discuss ways for them to make a more significant impact.
Hynes mentioned that during the Seattle home game— the Wild’s second outing back on October 11— the physicality escalated, and both Foligno and Trenin played crucial roles. However, he acknowledged, “we haven’t encountered many games of that nature yet and haven’t had a string of back-to-back contests.”
“So I believe it’s a combination,” he added. “They can certainly improve, but we also need to assist them in tapping into that mindset because their identity as players on whichever line we place them can pose significant challenges for opponents.”
Hynes highlighted that Trenin spent his first four-plus seasons in Nashville, was then traded to Colorado at the deadline, and subsequently signed a four-year deal with the Wild as a free agent. The Avalanche utilize a markedly different system compared to most teams, particularly in the defensive zone, where they implement a man-to-man strategy.
Trenin has experienced some difficulty acclimating to the Wild’s system, despite having played under Hynes in Nashville. Similarly, Foligno is coming off a second consecutive season where he had
core muscle surgery has led Hynes to suggest there may be some hesitation in being a physical presence.
Hynes mentioned that he has observed instances where Foligno and Trenin could better synchronize their puck decisions, whether it’s navigating routes in the offensive zone or enhancing their puck support. This improvement would enable them to cycle the puck more effectively, reclaim possession, and establish a stronger presence both in front of the net and behind it, allowing them to utilize their physicality to create plays and wear down their opponents.
“Engaging in games is the only way to truly find your rhythm,” Foligno remarked. “You can practice endlessly, but when it comes to reality… I’m not going to go all out on one of our players during practice while forechecking. I can do that in games, but we haven’t had many that require playing every other day.
“Sometimes, keeping the momentum going is beneficial and can lead to positive results.”
Though it’s still early in the season, Foligno has expressed dissatisfaction with his offensive output. He and Trenin collaborated to assist Marco Rossi’s second goal in consecutive games on Saturday, but aside from that, their contributions have been minimal.
Foligno hasn’t recorded a shot on goal over five games, while Trenin has managed four.
“We haven’t done enough in terms of offense,” Foligno acknowledged. “However, we believe we can find a solution. We’ve played together for five games now. I thought our last game was slightly better. There were some promising moments, particularly in Seattle where we created a few good opportunities, but we recognize the need to start producing and sync up.”
Physically, Foligno feels fine, but he admits it’s mentally challenging to navigate the fear of getting injured again.
“I won’t sugarcoat it,” he confessed. “There are times when you want to ensure that in a particular situation, you can safely navigate through it. It’s about getting up to speed, feeling secure enough to fully accelerate without hesitation.
“However, as (Maurice) mentioned, it all comes down to playing games and getting into a rhythm so that we can build momentum.”
The Wild are set to play Tuesday night and Thursday night against the Panthers and Lightning, respectively, and follow that with a Saturday afternoon match against the Philadelphia Flyers, before taking a couple of days off in Pittsburgh ahead of their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins to wrap up the road trip.
With these upcoming games, fans will get to see the Wild face stiffer competition than, to be frank, their two encounters with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Last season, the Wild struggled against the league’s top teams. They had a record of 0-10-1 against the top three teams in the Central Division and managed to win only nine of the 31 games against the top nine teams in the West. One significant frustration for Bill Guerin was the tendency of the Wild to falter when confronted with major challenges.
“This will test our commitment to our system and our ability to play within it,” Foligno said. “Right now, we’re doing a great job; everyone is dedicated, and defensively, we’re tightening things up. But now we’re up against a wave of strong teams, and this will determine what we’ve taken away from training camp and how well we can stick to playing the right way. We need to be prepared to take on the Stanley Cup champions; these games will serve as vital benchmarks.”
After Monday’s practice at the training facility of the previous season’s Stanley Cup winners, Hynes addressed his players about just that.
“We had a five-game segment,” Hynes stated. “Then we had a nice day off on Sunday, a solid practice on Monday, but now it’s time to switch back to work mode. We’re facing the defending Stanley Cup champions and then heading into Tampa.
“These teams are among the best in the league, so our mindset and ability to compete is crucial.”
We understand that these will be challenging and competitive matches. This presents a new challenge compared to what we’ve faced before, allowing us to evaluate our game and our level of competitiveness. I am eager to witness how we perform.
(Photo of Marcus Foligno: David Berding / Getty Images)
Paul Maurice Shares Insight on Minnesota Wild Ahead of Key Matchup Against Panthers
Understanding the Minnesota Wild’s Strengths
The Minnesota Wild have developed a reputation for being a formidable opponent in the NHL. Under the guidance of their coaching staff, the team has shown considerable improvement over the years. As Paul Maurice prepares his Florida Panthers for a crucial matchup against the Wild, understanding their strengths becomes essential.
Key Players to Watch
- Kirill Kaprizov: Known for his explosive speed and scoring ability, Kaprizov is a player who can change the course of a game.
- Joel Eriksson Ek: A reliable two-way forward, Eriksson Ek has become vital for Minnesota both defensively and offensively.
- Cam Talbot: The Wild’s goaltender has been a central figure in their defensive strategy, often making crucial saves in tight games.
Team Dynamics and Playing Style
The Wild are known for their disciplined play style, focusing on strong defensive structures and strategic puck movement. Paul Maurice noted, ”The Wild have a structured game plan that emphasizes both defensive responsibility and quick transitions. They make it hard to find space on the ice.” This disciplined approach allows them to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Recent Performance: Minnesota Wild’s Season Overview
Analyzing the season’s performance provides insight into how the Wild may approach the upcoming game against the Panthers. Below is a summary of their recent games and overall standings.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals Scored | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 10, 2023 | St. Louis Blues | W 4-2 | 4 | 2 |
| January 12, 2023 | Chicago Blackhawks | W 3-1 | 3 | 1 |
| January 14, 2023 | Colorado Avalanche | L 2-5 | 2 | 5 |
Paul Maurice’s Game Plan Against the Wild
As the head coach of the Florida Panthers, Paul Maurice has strategies tailored to counter the Wild’s strengths. Here’s an overview of his approach:
Defensive Strategies
- Neutral Zone Defense: Maurice emphasizes a well-structured neutral zone to stifle the Wild’s offensive transitions.
- Physical Play: Engaging in physical play can disrupt the Wild’s rhythm and make it difficult for them to establish their offensive setup.
- Containment of Kaprizov: Special attention will be given to Kaprizov, ensuring he doesn’t receive uncontested shots or breakaways.
Offensive Tactics
- Utilizing Speed: The Panthers will look to exploit their speed to create odd-man rushes against the Wild’s defense.
- Net Front Presence: Establishing a strong presence in front of the net can create scoring opportunities and capitalize on rebounds.
- Power Play Efficiency: Ensuring a strong power play could be crucial; the Wild have shown vulnerabilities when down a man.
Benefits of Understanding Opponent Strategies
For teams in the NHL, understanding opponent strategies leads to better preparation and performance. Here are some benefits of this approach:
Enhanced Team Chemistry
By reviewing game footage and strategizing together, teams like the Panthers can foster better communication and teamwork.
Increased Adaptability
Studying Minnesota’s playing style allows for real-time adjustments during the game, improving the chances of success.
Greater Confidence
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents can boost the team’s confidence, leading to more aggressive gameplay.
First-Hand Experiences: Insights from Players
Many players from both teams have shared their experiences facing each other. Here’s a snapshot of their testimonials:
Florida Panthers
“Every time we play the Wild, it’s a battle. They play a tough game, and we have to be ready for anything.” – Jonathan Huberdeau
Minnesota Wild
“The Panthers are fast and unpredictable. We have to stay disciplined if we want to come out on top.” – Ryan Hartman
Case Study: Previous Matchups between the Panthers and Wild
Historical matchups provide context on how the Panthers have fared against the Wild. Here’s a quick look at their last five encounters:
| Date | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2022 | W 3-2 (OT) | Florida |
| November 17, 2021 | L 1-4 | Minnesota |
| April 3, 2021 | W 5-2 | Florida |
Conclusion of Insights
With the insights shared by Paul Maurice and the analysis of the Minnesota Wild’s strategies, the Florida Panthers are preparing for an exciting matchup. As both teams are known for their competitive spirit, this game promises to showcase high-level hockey and tactical battles on the ice.
