WILD HOCKEY!

[scsavre]

The wild have atleast put a good effort in the last couple of games. I am still hearing alot about the divided lockeroom. I always hate hearing these things. It comes with being a young coach. They need to get back to winning. Sounds like Heater, Kiovu and Setto are happy though. Anyone else starting hear that Granland is going to be hard to sign this year? I am have been hearing it alot, but it may be premature.

As far as the young D, it is always good to throw 1 or 2 young guys in with a strong core (Nick Leddy example). They can learn and have their mistakes covered by the vets. It is not a good thing to have 4 out of 6 being young and the other 2 D being Zannon and Shultz. I think Scandella has been hurt by this alot. Surprisingly Spurgeon has been consistent, but a little afraid to make the plays.

1 pm game today, I love these on saturdays.

[OnAFly]

Zidlicky situation can't be helping anything. I would say lets sell, but what are we going to sell? Cullen hasn't done anything lately (no value), Seto they probably don't want to let go, our better prospects have been called all but untouchable. Koivu, Brodziak, Heater, Johnson I don't think are going anywhere. That leaves us with guys that have struggled to perform, which probably isn't worth much.

[schmitty3]

49 saves in the shutout for Backstrom WOW. Keeps em in it for a bit longer.

[scsavre]

Backstrom, now do that every game.

[james_walleye]

I was at the game today. I wasnt real excited about going, especially since i had to leave a hot ice fishing bite this morning to go. But it was a fun game to be at. Backstrom was awesome.

[Bear55]

Mr. Brodziak re-upped for 3 more years, happy about that.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/139654993.html

[10,000 Casts]

Man did backstrom stand on his head yesterday, 49 shots! Zidlicky looked lost out there, we were at the game so I could really watch him and Boston was definitly keying in on him.

I wish we had a guy like Lucic on our team, a big gritty team player to put in front of the net and can lay some huge hits and score some goals.

Hopefully Brodziak will have 3 more seasons like this year, he was on the big line yesterday with Heatley and Setoguchi and did pretty well.

I couldn't believe all the boston fans at the game, they travel really well or have a ton of fans in MN.

Wild aren't out of it yet, this should be a good spark to get them going in the right direction!

[10,000 Casts]

Man did backstrom stand on his head yesterday, 49 shots! Zidlicky looked lost out there, we were at the game so I could really watch him and Boston was definitly keying in on him.

I wish we had a guy like Lucic on our team, a big gritty team player to put in front of the net and can lay some huge hits and score some goals.

Hopefully Brodziak will have 3 more seasons like this year, he was on the big line yesterday with Heatley and Setoguchi and did pretty well.

I couldn't believe all the boston fans at the game, they travel really well or have a ton of fans in MN.

Wild aren't out of it yet, this should be a good spark to get them going in the right direction!

[bbfenatic]

Put a Fork in em, they are done. Can't expect any goalie to do that very often. Out shot 49 - 29, big guns not producing on offense, guys like Powe carrying the load, lucky to finish .500 IMO.

[10,000 Casts]

they need a good playoff run, if they can get hot they have a chance.

[Bear55]

It has to happen now if they are going to get back into this thing, from what happened earlier this season we know they are capable of winning, but knowing it and doing it are two different things.

[archerystud]

PMB and GL being out has hurt this team big time. Most people talk about the "starting" 6 forwards that a team has and the Wild were counting on these two in order to make a run. I believe I saw where Fletcher pretty much didn't expect either to play again this year.

PMB has one more year left on his contract but who knows if he'll play again.

[Musky Buck]

I'm with ya stud, like the twins,vikes,wolves, we need somehow to keep our squad together for a full season, when that doesn't happen, we fall apart, sometimes very rapidly. I know that's asking a lot but we seem plagued too often. I like the Lucic idea, yes that would be an asset, but my gut says with Tim Thomas and Zdeno Chara you got playoff chances year after year. We have little to 0 history on our side, thanks Norm Green and whatever that was really all about years back. Even Gilligan I mean Marian wanted a big market, lots to do, lots to see New York style.

[archerystud]

I'll be surprised if the Wild don't make some kind of move before the trade deadline.

I think they should trade Harding just because I doubt they will be able to resign him. They probably can't get a lot for him.

Zidlicky would be nice to move to save on next years salary cap but I'm not sure how many teams want to pick up his salary. Trading him will probably require the Wild to pick up a different over priced player.

I wouldn't rule out the Wild making some kind of pickup of a bigger name player. But it would probably be for the future rather than to make a big run this year. They do have some intriguing prospects that I'm sure other teams are interested in.

[Bear55]

I wouldn't mind in the Wild shipped a few guys out if possible, at least get some picks in return for them. I don't see us trading for any help at this point, we are probably better suited building for the future, it was a fun start to the season but our playoffs hopes are dwindling fast.

[solbes]

Agree, it's hard to see it end up this way after such a magical start. But we should be sellers before the deadline. Sometimes you can really end up with a great deal if you do your homework.

I think before the season started, everyone saw an improved team in 2-3 years so we should continue building for that.

[10,000 Casts]

If we are going to sell, I wouldn't mind selling:

Cullen

Clutterbuck

Zidlicky

Harding

Zanon

Ortmeyer

Powe

Christiansen

Peters

[Bear55]

Lets sell Cullen early next season when he goes on his annual tear. Keep clutterbuck and get what you can for the rest, a lot of those guys aren't worth anything, mostly just fill in AHL scrubs. I would have to think Zids, Harding, and maybe Zanon get moved some time soon.

[archerystud]

I would have to think Zids, Harding, and maybe Zanon get moved some time soon.

Those are my top 3 as well. I hope you are right on Zids but I'm doubtful they can move him based on his salary for next year. DR..... the former GM that keeps on giving!

[Bear55]

Hopefully there are some desparate playoffs teams looking to fill a hole or two.

[10,000 Casts]

the wild have only played 59 games and the 4 teams right ahead of them have all played 60 or 61 and we are 5 pts out of the 8th spot. Every game matters from here on out. Personally, I just like watching Kassian, he's no Boogaard but pretty close and a better skater. Let's see if Krys Barch answers the bell tonight and Kassian gets the Wild going.

[schmitty3]

Wild take the 3-2 SO win. Maybe we can rattle off a few more, and Backstrom stays hot. 43 saves tonight.

[Bear55]

Nice to see Brodz and Cullen on the scoresheet, if we have any chance at all they have to be playing well.

[lungdeflator]

was able to catch the SO last night. pretty decisive. thats the first SO win ive been able to witness in a long time for baks. Seems hes playing well and gaining confidence

[schmitty3]

How bout Chirstensen's move? That was a dirty dangle. Too bad he doesn't use those hands more in the game..