JHS: What changes will Minnesota Wild make before Game 3?

Mackey & Judd -- a Minnesota Sports Podcast53mApril 21, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Judd's Hockey Show, hosts Judd and AJ are joined by new weekly contributor Kirsten Krull to analyze the Minnesota Wild's 4-2 loss in Game 2 of their playoff series against Dallas. The discussion centers on the team's undisciplined play, a key hit that took Yakov Trennan out of the game, and the need for adjustments heading into Game 3. The hosts debate goaltending decisions, with a strong consensus that Jesper Wallstedt should remain in net despite concerns about Philip Gustafson’s readiness. They also examine potential lineup changes, particularly around the top line, with speculation about moving Bobby Brink up to partner with Kirill Kaprizov and Ryan Hartman to replace the injured Mats Zuccarello. The conversation highlights the importance of returning to a disciplined, east-west passing style and the need for physicality without reckless retaliation. Despite the loss, the hosts express cautious optimism, emphasizing that this series is now a true battle and that the Wild’s identity and resilience will be tested. The episode ends with bold predictions, including a potential overtime win for the Wild in Game 3 if Wallstedt starts, and a belief that the series will go deep, possibly to seven games.

Key Takeaways
1

Stick with Jesper Wallstedt in net for Game 3 despite concerns about Philip Gustafson’s inactivity.

2

Consider moving Bobby Brink to the top line with Kaprizov and Hartman to replace Zuccarello’s chemistry.

3

Return to a disciplined, east-west passing game to counter Dallas’s north-south strategy.

4

Avoid retaliatory penalties and focus on physical play without losing composure.

5

Brock Faber delivered a career-best performance and should remain a key part of the lineup.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Sponsor: MG HS SUV

Promotion for the MG HS SUV with a focus on luxury features at a compact price, including a 7-year manufacturer warranty and a free test drive.

1:40
7 min

Introducing Kirsten Krull & Post-Game Reflection

We all said, even before the series started, this is going to go to six or seven games. This is going to be a tough series. It's going to be a battle right up until the very end.

Highlight
8:20
10 min

Goaltending Debate: Wallstedt vs. Gustafson

You have to ride as long as he's playing well. And I think that, you know, we would agree he's playing well.

Highlight
18:20
12 min

Lineup Adjustments: Top Line Rebuild

If you can get somebody with some chemistry with Kirill, I think that's imperative because you can't come away from a playoff game saying, I saw Kirill but didn't really see him a lot.

Highlight
30:00
12 min

Defensive Pairing & Health Concerns

The hosts assess the defensive pairing, particularly Zach Bogosian’s health and the potential for bringing in Luke Petrie. They weigh the risks of playing an injured player versus the benefit of a healthy, more reliable option.

High-Impact Quotes
He's been the best player on the ice in the series. Not the best defenseman, not the best Minnesota Wild player, the best player in the series through six periods of hockey.
AJ34:42
Viral: 90.0
We all said, even before the series started, this is going to go to six or seven games. This is going to be a tough series. It's going to be a battle right up until the very end.
Kirsten Krull3:46
Viral: 85.0
If you can get somebody with some chemistry with Kirill, I think that's imperative because you can't come away from a playoff game saying, I saw Kirill but didn't really see him a lot.
Judd28:30
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

JuddAJ

Guest

Kirsten Krull
Topics Discussed
playoff series strategy90%lineup adjustments88%goaltending decisions85%player performance evaluation82%team discipline78%defensive pairing decisions70%home ice advantage65%officiating consistency60%
People & Brands

minnesota wild

organization

60xPositive

kirsten krull

person

50xPositive

judd

person

45xPositive

aj

person

40xPositive

kirill kaprizov

person

35xPositive

jesper wallstedt

person

30xPositive

dallas stars

organization

25xNeutral

brock faber

person

25xNeutral

quinn hughes

person

20xPositive

philip gustafson

person

18xNeutral

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