Wild scratch two defenseman ahead of must-win game, and they aren't happy.

A big gamble from the Wild's head coach.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 7 years ago
Wild scratch two defenseman ahead of must-win game, and they aren't happy.

The Minnesota wild, and more specifically head coach John Torchetti, are taking a big time gamble ahead of what has to be considered a must-win game for the team.

According to multiple reports both rookie defenseman Mike Reilley, and the real surprise defenseman Matt Dumba, have been made healthy scratches ahead of tonight's game against the San Jose Sharks at Xcel Energy Center. There's no doubt it's the stratch of Dumba that is the real shocker, and he's not happy about it one bit.

"I'm such a competitor it pissed me off. I want to play," said Dumba as per Chad Graff on the Pioneer Press.

As for the motivation behind the move? It's no secret that Dumba has struggled defensively at times, and it appears that Torchetti is looking for a more reliable level of play this evening in what is again, a critical game.

"We're just looking to keep the game a little bit more simpler," said Torchetti as per Mike Russo of the Star Tribune.

It's a big risk, and fans will know by the end of the day whether or not it will have paid off.

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