Wild’s recipe provides legitimate title shot

The Minnesota Wild have taken full control of the NHL Western Conference. After defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 3- 2 on Sunday, the Wild have 61 points in 42 games while the Blackhawks have 59 in 46 contests.

Five reasons the Wild could win their first Stanley Cup title this season. Devan Dubnyk, the Dom

inator: His numbers ( 23- 7- 3 record, 1.78 goals- against average, .940 save percentage and five shutouts) are even more impressive than the statistics that the Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price produced when he won the 2015 Hart Trophy — ( 44- 16- 6, 1.96, .933). At 30, Dubnyk boasts an aura of invincibility that can carry a team during a playoff series. Better at center: General manager Chuck Fletcher’s offseason signing of Eric Staal has given the Wild a big one- two center combination that allows them to match up effectively with any opponent. Staal is 6- 4, and Mikko Koivu is 6- 3. They have combined for 28 goals and 41 assists. Bruce Boudreau, the Guru:

The Wild seemed like a dysfunctional family over the previous two seasons, and father figure Boudreau’s entertaining personality appeared to be just what the team needed to find its harmony. But no one should underestimate Boudreau’s coaching effectiveness. He frets over every detail, and he is far more demanding than he looks from afar. He demands accountability. He knows how to win.

Roster depth: The best way to illustrate how much deeper the Wild are today is to point out that Zach Parise, once the team’s go- to forward, is the No. 8 scorer with 20 points. The Wild have six players with 10 or more goals, but Parise is not among them. The Wild receive scoring from players up and down their lineup, and they should have four defensemen ( Ryan Suter, Matt Dumba, Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin) with 30- plus points by the end of the season. Well- rounded approach: The Wild no longer need to play a road- game style — simplifying their game — to succeed. They are 17- 1- 1 since Dec. 4 because they’re strong in most aspects of the game. Minnesota entered Monday fourth in goals per game ( 3.26) and second in goalsagainst average ( 2.14). The Wild’s penalty killing ranked sixth ( 84.9%), and their power- play efficiency was 13th ( 20.2%). The Wild are thriving in a variety of ways.

DENNIS WIERZBICKI, USA TODAY SPORTS Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk, celebrating Sunday’s win against the Blackhawks with teammates, is having a career year.