Wild searching for options, answers, after two games of deficient defense

“I think his skating has been a factor. He’s an excellent skating defenseman,” Hynes said of Hunt, who played 32 regular season games, recording six assists. “His ability to handle a line rush, he’s hard to close plays, he’s strong at the net front. And from an offensive perspective, he’s the guy that he has the ability to join the rush and support the rush because of his skating.”

The Wild’s top defensive pair of Brock Faber and Quinn Hughes is set in stone. But the defensive mess they collectively left behind in Colorado might mean that Hynes is open to juggling the bottom four prior to Game 3. Hunt said he’s willing to play with anyone in any situation.

“I think that’s a coaching decision, but, I mean, I’m kind of up for whatever,” Hunt said on Thursday. “I think me and Spurgey have been good together when we play together, but I mean, it’s not up to me. I think whoever I’m paired with is good.”

As for his quick adaptation to playoff hockey, versus a historically strong team like Colorado, Hunt actually emerged from the two losses with a plus-2 statistically, and felt like he made some strides from Game 1 to Game 2.

“Definitely getting thrown into the fire a bit, but I think with my skating, the way I think the game, I think I did fine,” he said. “I think as the second game progressed, I thought I got better. Just moving my feet more, getting in the rush more.”

Briefly

While they are expecting a sellout inside Grand Casino Arena for Game 3 on Saturday night, the Wild will also host a free watch party outside the arena, where fans can gather and watch the game on big screen video. The event will be held on West 7th Street between West Kellogg Boulevard and West 5th Street, directly adjacent to Gates 2 and 3 outside the arena.

It begins at 5 p.m. and ends with the conclusion of the game. Pregame entertainment and on-site food and beverages will be available. Additional details are available at the Wild website.

With that portion of W 7th Street closed, along with other closures on Shepard Road and Jackson Street, fans attending the game or the watch party are encouraged to arrive early and account for changing routes.

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