The Wild-Blues playoff series was billed as a contrast of styles: speed vs. physical play.
It was no contest on Monday night.
The Wild used its superior speed to frustrate the Blues and make them look slow in a 3-0 victory in Game 3 at Xcel Energy Center.
The Wild won Games 1 and 3 decisively by dictating its desired pace. The Blues' physical play hasn't been much of a factor at all so far in the series, outside of the first period in Game 2.
The Wild took control of Monday's game with a dominating second period. The scoring started when Mikael Granlund blew past Vladimir Tarasenko along the wall that led to a tap-in goal by Jason Pominville.
Zach Parise outworked Jay Bouwmeester for the puck in the slot on his goal to make it 2-0.
That play crystalized the night for both teams. The Wild looked more determined, more desperate and quicker to pucks all game long.
The Blues looked deflated by the Wild's speed.
