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The Minnesota Wild are searching for a defensive reset following a chaotic 9-6 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of their series, according to reporting by CBS News. Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov arrived at the Monday media availability wearing hotel slippers, but his stance on the team’s performance was firm. We need better, Kaprizov said, as reported by CBS News.

Lineup Decisions and Goaltending After a Historic Postseason Opener

Wild coach John Hynes is weighing various lineup choices ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday, including who will start in net, according to CBS News. Jesper Wallstedt surrendered eight goals during the high-scoring opener, a game where Minnesota initially fell behind 3-0 before rallying to take a lead that they ultimately lost. The Avalanche performance marked the most playoff goals scored in franchise history, while the matchup itself became only the tenth game in NHL history to feature 15 or more goals. Hynes addressed his goaltender’s status following the match. I think last night was a bit of an anomaly, Hynes said, according to CBS News. I’m not worried about Wally. He’s got a great track record. He has played really well. He has playoff experience and he has positive playoff experience.

Wallstedt expressed a similar willingness to move past the loss. That’s done. There’s nothing we can do about that, Wallstedt said, according to CBS News. Now it’s just about analyzing, looking through that one and then let it go. Focus on the next one. Backup goaltender Filip Gustavsson waits in reserve after posting a 28-15-6 record and a 2.69 goals-against average during the regular season, though he has not appeared in a game since April 13. Meanwhile, forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin remain sidelined with lower-body injuries and are scheduled for reevaluation prior to Game 3, per CBS News.

Defensive Adjustments Required Against Colorado Attack

Teammates shouldered the responsibility for the defensive breakdown in front of their goaltender. Clean up some stuff and be better for Wally, forward Mats Zuccarello said, according to CBS News. Hopefully this is an isolated incident for us since our recent performances haven’t looked like that, and we allowed far too many simple scoring chances. Colorado defenseman Cale Makar returned from a first-period injury to score twice in the third period, describing the contest as a one-off given that both teams ranked among the top defensive units during the regular season. Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak also acknowledged the unusual nature of the matchup. Kulak mentioned to CBS News that you simply have to chuckle a bit now — and they are able to do so — seeing as they managed to end up on the winning side of it.

Minnesota players recognize the challenge of slowing down the Avalanche attack led by Nathan MacKinnon. You have to try to stop giving them easy offense, Wild forward Vladimir Tarasenko said, according to CBS News. There’s a game plan, which will be provided to us. When asked about specific tactical adjustments, Tarasenko kept his cards close to his chest. I don’t think I want to talk about it right now, Tarasenko said, according to CBS News. If we try to play as a unit of five, help each other, everything is possible.