The Minnesota Wild are facing a tough final stretch as they fight for a playoff spot in the NHL. With just five games remaining, the team is currently in fifth place in the Central Division, holding the second wild card spot in the West with 89 points. However, a four-game losing streak has made the first wild card spot seem out of reach for the injury-riddled team.
In their latest loss to the New York Islanders, the Wild not only lost the game but also defenseman Jake Middleton to an upper body injury. Middleton’s injury adds to a long list of key contributors on the blue line who have missed time this season, including Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon.
The Wild are currently two points behind the St. Louis Blues for the top wild card spot, with the Calgary Flames also closing in with 84 points and two games in hand. Head coach John Hynes will need his team to secure at least three wins in their final five games to secure a playoff spot.
The team will face the Dallas Stars on Sunday before playing against San Jose and Calgary in crucial matchups that will determine their postseason fate. Middleton’s potential absence will make the task even more challenging for the Minnesota Wild as they battle to secure a spot in the playoffs.
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