Marcus Follingo knows that Minnesota Wilde is a disadvantage from the end of its season.
He also knows that he is a win by forcing the winner-tech-all game 7.
Forgive Foligno, if he is taking a glass-haf-full approach, as to prepare a wilder to prepare a wild against Golden Nights in Game 6 of his Western Conference first-round series on Thursday night in St. Paul, Minan.
Foligno is undeterred.
“Yes, this Minnesota is wild. We can deal with this stuff,” Foligno said. “We had 12-day road trips 10 times, it seems, this year. The bus (luggage) we had to deal with, and we are made for it.
“Peski wild in this case will remain, and we have a really good mindset coming in Game 6. This year is not easy.”
This will not be easy for any team in a series that has proved to be a nalbeeter.
Vegas comes in flying after winning 3-2 overtime in game 5, which won 4-3 overtime in Game 4. Minnesota took advantage of 17–15 in the goal despite retreating from a game in the series.
Golden Nights coach Bruce Cassidi praised his players for their mental fate. He pointed to the recent success of the franchise, including the Stanley Cup Championship in 2023.
“We know how to win,” said Cassidi. “We have proved that a lot of people in the room were here two years ago, and a number that we have added … have won in the past. They understand that it has high and climb, and things can turn into a hurry.
“There are many champions in that locker room, so they have been through some of that (playoff pressure), as I have said earlier. It means that you are going to be again or you are going to win the chain or whatever, but they are through stuff. So they do not panic many times.”
Tomas Hurtle provided three goals to Vegas and two assistance in the series. Five players have given three points with three points, including Brett Hovelen with three goals.
Kirill Kaprizov is the top scorer of Minnesota, with nine points (five goals, four aids) in five games. Matt Bolidi leads with five goals and two assistance.
Golden Nights goalkeeper Edin Hill is 3–2 from 3–2 to 3.00 round-average average and 3–2 with a .865 save percent in the series. Backup Akira Schmid has stopped all nine shots that they have faced.
Wild Goltender Philippe Gustavason is 2–2 with a 2.63 GAA and 2–2 with percent save percent in the series. Mark-Randre Flery is 0–1 with 2.49 gAA and a .857 save percent.
Vegas Forward William Carlson said it was important to focus on Thursday.
“It’s playing something tight, but I think every night someone else can move,” Carlson said. “I think the volume speaks for our team.
“A game at a time. This is the way we have to take it. We win the next one, we move forward. We know what is at stake. We are just to go there and have a full 60 minutes to go there and try to win.”
-Bield level media
