Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau knows the agony that Game 7s can cause.
The former bench boss of the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals coached in four Game 7s with both teams, posting a record of 1-7 in such games.
Both the Ducks and Capitals will play in Game 7s on Wednesday evening for the rights to go to their respective conference finals.
“I don’t know whether from coaching or playing whether you get into a mental block or not,” Boudreau told the Associated Press.
“I think Washington for sure is due to win. I’ve said it for four years in Anaheim we’re due to win, but in the end your best players have got to be your best players.”
It was about this time last year that Anaheim fired Boudreau after the team’s season ended for a fourth-consecutive season in a Game 7 loss.
After the Capitals shellacked the Penguins in Game 6, Boudreau believes the momentum is on Washington’s side.
“I’ve got to believe that (the momentum from Game 6 is) going to roll over, that they’re finally sick and tired of hearing that they haven’t gone to the third round and will break through,” Boudreau said.
The Wild didn’t have to deal with a Game 7 this season since they were bounced in five games to the St. Louis Blues.
However it is worth noting Minnesota is 3-0 all-time in Game 7s, with all three victories coming on the road.
