Jeremy Roenick spent much of Wednesday night questioning Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau’s decision to rest Devan Dubnyk in a big game against the Chicago Blackhawks – a game the Blackhawks won 4-3 in overtime.
Roenick, the longtime NHL star, went on a Twitter rant saying it was a kick to Chicago’s face to start backup goalie Darcy Kuemper in a huge rivalry game.
The @mnwild start their backup goalie against @NHLBlackhawks. This is a kick in the face to the hawks, they look extra fired up! #CHIvsMIN
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) February 9, 2017
What's wrong w the game today? Goalies can't play back to back?Really?. Not sure minn fans saw who I called best in the west this week. Lol
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) February 9, 2017
Roenick piled on, suggesting that Boudreau should have rested Dubnyk the night before against Winnipeg.
Not sure what's a bigger game Wild fans? Winnipeg or chi?? Obviously their coach says Winnipeg. As a player that's how I would see it.
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) February 9, 2017
This could be the main match up in the west during playoffs. Minn, chi, San Jose best in the west. I'm still shocked but still a great game.
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) February 9, 2017
Roenick might have a point. A similar scenario played out earlier this year when Minnesota play on consecutive nights in Dallas and Chicago, and Boudreau rested Dubnyk for the Dallas game and used him to beat the Blackhawks the next night.
The loss snapped Minnesota’s eight-game regular season win streak against Chicago and the Blackhawks closed the gap in the Central Division to 5 points, although the Wild still have two games in hand.
“We’re happy to be home,” said Wild forward Erik Haula. “Tomorrow’s going to be a great day for everyone who has families. Just kind of regroup and recharge.”
Minnesota continues its season-long eight-game home stand Friday against Tampa Bay.
