New Playoff Treat Scores at The X: A Corn Dog Power Play?

The NHL Playoffs are here, and the quest for the Stanley Cup is in full swing! For the State of Hockey faithful, this time of year brings a familiar tension – the excitement of playoff hockey battling the reality that the Wild haven't won a playoff series since 2015. While watching the first round can sometimes feel like being stuck on a long penalty kill, there's always a silver lining: new culinary power plays debuting inside the Xcel Energy Center!

Making its playoff debut this season is a hand-dipped corn dog, holding down the fort over in section 117. While The X is famous for its veteran skater, the "Wild Dog," adding a classic corn dog to the roster is an interesting call-up.

Breakaways (Pros):

• Top-Shelf Presentation: This isn't just any corn dog. The stick is cleverly shaped like a miniature hockey stick, complete with the Wild logo imprinted on it – fantastic attention to detail that shows real hustle!

• Smart Assist: It's served in a Wild-branded tray smartly designed to hold your dipping sauces (ketchup/mustard), making the trek back through the concourse to your seat less of a turnover risk.

• Good Puck Luck: The taste definitely scores. And because it's encased in that protective layer of breaded goodness, it manages to stay warm through the first few shifts after you get back to your seat – no cold delays here.

Penalty Box (Cons):

• Tough Competition: Entering the corn dog game in Minnesota is like facing a 5-on-3 – the competition is fierce, namely the legendary State Fair gold standard. Fair or not, every corn dog gets measured against it, and this one's breading felt a bit like weak defensive zone coverage – thinner than expected for a prime scoring chance.

• High-Sticking Hazard? While the hockey stick handle is a brilliant play, the eating end is surprisingly sharp. Navigating the final bites felt a little dangerous, almost like risking a penalty near the crease.

• Cap Hit: At $11, the price tag for a regular-sized corn dog feels a bit steep, like overpaying for a third-liner. However, the creative effort and team-specific details earn some points for trying hard in the corners.

Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 Hockey Pucks

A solid effort with great team spirit and fantastic branding. It's a fun addition to the playoff lineup, even if it doesn't quite deliver a hat trick performance compared to Minnesota's best. Worth trying if you're looking for a taste of something new while cheering on the Wild (or just enjoying the playoff atmosphere)!