In the second part of this Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks play-in preview series, defense is the focal point. As mentioned in the first installment comparing the goaltending, the series matchup is quite equal; However, the strengths of each team lie in different areas. Where the Wild thrive, the Canucks struggle — and vice versa.
Another one of these areas is defense.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild get scrutinized by NHL fans over their boring play, but praised for having one of the best defensive cores in the league. It is ironic that the factor that shapes the identity of the Wild and furthermore brings them success seems to hinder their popularity outside the State of Hockey.