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Penalty-kill problems in focus as Wild host Game 3

On Friday, Minnesota coach John Hynes and his assistants offered on-ice, penalty-kill instruction to tighten defensive details as the Wild prepare for Game 3 after the Avalanche took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series.
After allowing 14 goals over two games in Colorado, the Wild utilized three days to reassess strategy, with the Avalanche capitalizing on seven power-play opportunities to build their series advantage.
Wild defenseman Brock Faber said the team practiced specific penalty-killing roles to counter Nathan MacKinnon, an MVP finalist, and Cale Makar, whose speed creates scoring chances in front of the net.
Following the instructional session, the team found newfound confidence, with winger Matt Boldy noting the rest period allowed the squad to reset after the quick turnaround from the Round 2 series against Dallas.
To keep their season alive in the NHL playoffs, Minnesota must win four of its next five games, with Game 3 looming as a critical test of whether the penalty-kill improvements will hold.

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