WASHINGTON – How the Wild's season will end is still up in the air, uncertainty that should make the final two weeks of the schedule intriguing if not outright entertaining.
But what's already a given is that the 2018-19 version will be remembered for its impressive, and perhaps uncanny, knack for knocking off the NHL's best teams. That habit continued Friday when the Wild waltzed into Capital One Arena and blitzed the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals 2-1 and jumped over Arizona and Colorado to reclaim the second wild card spot in the Western Conference with 79 points.
Not only could this trend help decide the Wild's fate, but it may also give the club an edge in this three-team race for that final berth since all its remaining opponents are ahead of it in the standings.
"With our schedule, it's going to have to be the same for every game from here on out," goalie Devan Dubnyk said. "If we play like that, even though we might not go 7-0, it's going to give us a really good chance."
What would also improve its outlook is if its class of youngsters continue to dazzle like it did against Washington.
The all-rookie line of wingers Jordan Greenway and Ryan Donato and center Luke Kunin was responsible for both goals, with Kunin delivering the clincher 12 minutes, 25 seconds into the third period. Overall, the three combined for four points; Donato had two assists.
"They deserve it," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "They're playing well, especially at this time of year. It's great for now, but it's 10 times better for the future."
While the Wild has struggled at home this season, especially against lesser opponents, it's been remarkedly better on the road. And that switch flipped again Friday.