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Minny - in you go...again

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1Minny - in you go...again Empty Minny - in you go...again Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:18 am

PTFlea

PTFlea
Co-Founder
Co-Founder

Into the playoffs with you Wild. Whether or not you can make some strides this year is anyone's guess (no), but you're gonna get in.

Why?

An eclectic bunch of forwards that are lead by superstar Marion Gaborik, the Wild now have him insulated by character forwards Andrew Brunette, Owen Nolan and Antti Miettinen who they got via free agency. PM Bouchard and Mikko Koivu are primed and ready to contribute in the places of departed centers Demitra and most importantly Brian Rolston.

Still, it's not quite good enough. There's no secret around the NHL that the Wild tried to acquire Olie Jokinen on draft day - they needed him and they were prepared to part with one of Johnsson, Schultz, Skoula or Foster. Problem is, the Coyotes had them beaten out of the gate by offering one excellent D-man and one serviceable D-man. So...the Wild are left in the same situation as they were last year. No superstar firepower outside of Gaborik.

But the defense....now this is an area that should get Wild fans excited. Brent Burns is one of the best offensive D-men in the league, electrifying the PP with his amazing passing and shooting abilities (highlighted at the World Cup). Johnsson is another very steady defender, as is Skoula, Zidlicky and to a much lesser extent Bergeron.

The loss of Foster and his long road to recovery have put a small damper on the Wild's season, but he'll be back by Januray - just when the Wild will start getting the blahs and need a fresh infusion.

As for goaltending, in a Jacques Lemaire system, a goalie will more often than not put up amazingly solid numbers. It's a very defensive system where the onus is on all 5 players to get back and retrieve the puck. Very few tough shots get through to the goalie...but, when they do, the Wild have an awesome talent in their nets. Two actually.

Consider this: from 2002-2003 - a span of 6 years - Backstrom's save percentages have been: .929, .936, .926, .940, .929 and .920. The final two were for the Wild. He is awesome and system or no system, he's gonna be there to make the saves for this team. Next summer when he's looking for 5 million+ per season, the Wild would be smart to give it to him. Unless they decide to go with young gun Josh Harding, who's another quality goaltender.

Minnesota will make the playoffs based on the handful of forwards who can score, their deep defense and stellar goaltending, but to go very much farther, they'll need Gaborick to light up the opposition.

Team Grade: B-
Prediction: 6th in the West.

2Minny - in you go...again Empty Re: Minny - in you go...again Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:35 am

Cronie

Cronie
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Nice take Heater. I don't think there's any doubt that they will land a spot in the post-season. How far they go is anyone's guess.

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