Wild 2013-14 season

[CaptainMusky]

Bear, As I understand it even if the Wild were to catch the Kings nothing would change because its the top 3 teams in each division, then the wild card teams. So we could essentially have more points, but are seeded 7th.

This has indeed been an impressive run. Would have been nice to have a convincing win last night, but a W is a W.

[RK]

Not a masterpiece last night, but the Jets do that to a lot of teams. Not super talented but they have some speed and come at you hard. If they ever get decent depth there they could be a darn good hockey team.

Loved seeing the Canucks officially bow out last night too. Not many teams I hate more.

If I understand the math right, the only the way the Wild miss the playoffs now is if we lose the next three, AND the Coyotes win their next 4 in regulation. Even an overtime win for the Coyotes would put the Wild in. If we end up tied I think we win the tiebreaker based on goal differential unless Phoenix scores something like 16 goals in the next 4 and we don't score any.

[OnAFly]

We can't catch LA, we would need to catch COL or CHI or who ever is 3rd in the central.

Hopefully BOS takes the night off and we can rest Suter and play Folin a couple games. That would be a nice welcome back for me at least

[Bear55]

I'm hoping to see that too, clinch 7th and rest some guys and play some kids. Suter could really use a little break.

[CaptainMusky]

If I understand the math right, the only the way the Wild miss the playoffs now is if we lose the next three, AND the Coyotes win their next 4 in regulation. Even an overtime win for the Coyotes would put the Wild in. If we end up tied I think we win the tiebreaker based on goal differential unless Phoenix scores something like 16 goals in the next 4 and we don't score any.

Since Dal and Phoe play the last game I think if we lose out, Phoe wins in regulation in all games except this final matchup but they win in OT I think we are out. and Dallas wins theirs of course.

[bbfenatic]

Iginla and Miller out tonight...that's good....wrap up the spot tonight?

[OnAFly]

2 points and we lock 7th. Not a bad deal...unless STL decides to throw in the towel and winds up in 2nd place in the West. That would be an interesting twist of fate.

[CaptainMusky]

We are locked now that phoe lost. If we win clinch #7 come on boys!

[CaptainMusky]

Koivu with a backhand and it WORKED! Lol wild win. It is a thing of beauty but I cannot imagine how he is so effective.

[OnAFly]

If he threw another move on the ennd of that backhand anf went forehand even 20% of the time, he'd be scoring 2X as often. He can get it by everyone unless they just sit back and wait for it. If he puts a little doubt in their minds as to what he's really going to do, he would be way more effective.

Clinched #7 NICE!

So, who is down on Bryz now? A hot goalie going into the playoffs is a dangerous situation to face as an opponent. I'm not saying...I'm just saying

[10,000 Casts]

So does this mean Yeo gets to keep his job? I haven't heard anyone calling for his head in a while.

[bbfenatic]

I can finally say "we are who I thought they were"! I am telling you this team has what it takes, may be peaking at the right time, and with their high confidence level going in we may be hoisting the Cup

[CaptainMusky]

That is what is so wrong with so many MN sports fans. Very knee jerk about the bad. We as a whole are some of the most loyal and passionate fans out there, but many can turn on the teams they love quick.

It wasnt all that long ago this team was booed incessantly at home.

They have gone on an impressive stretch, yeah there were some bumps along the way, but overall I am pleased with the job that Yeo has done with the team. Granted I think Babcock has done way more with less due to all the injuries the Wings have had this year, but I think Yeo did a good job. Goal tending is a major key to a successful season and having the goalie fiasco they have had this season I wouldnt put that on anyone.

Who was the backup goalie last night? They showed him on TV but I didnt hear them say his name. Was that Gustaffson? Im assuming so. He looks 12. :-)

[BartmanMN]

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Who was the backup goalie last night? They showed him on TV but I didnt hear them say his name. Was that Gustaffson? Im assuming so. He looks 12. :-)

That was Curry.

[Bear55]

Woo hoo locked into 7th! Mentioned this a while back but with our schedule down the stretch we have really earned our way into the playoffs this year. Team was making me nervous but as mentioned above they do appear to be playing great hockey at the right time of year.

Still not seeing a cup team here but any time you get in you have a chance. Expecting us to be more competitive than last years team that is for sure, whoever comes out of the west this year has their work cut out for them. Talk about the bracket of death!!!!

[PierBridge]

I remember earlier in the year you were saying how the talent in the west and them beating each other up in the playoffs would benefit Boston or any team in the east that makes it to the finals.

And I still think we are a long ways away from contending for a cup.

[bbfenatic]

IMO the team out of the West will win the cup. Speed kills and the East just does not seem to have it....but like always Goaltending will probably be a key factor. Plus the teams in the East will try to beat each other to a pulp where the West teams won't get so beat up cuz they don't roll that way.

[Bear55]

And I still think we are a long ways away from contending for a cup.

I like us having a decent shot next season through 2017, after that our old core might be a little too old.

[bbfenatic]

And I still think we are a long ways away from contending for a cup.

Goalie Hot, Offense Clicking, D Solid, Confidence level High.....what excuses do we have now????? ....too young - nope, everyone has proven to be battle tested, to old - nope, many are in their prime.

[PierBridge]

Coaching?

I love your attitude BB and hope you are right.

I just don't think it comes this easy.

[bbfenatic]

Coaching?

I love your attitude BB and hope you are right.

I just don't think it comes this easy.

Does not come easy for any team...get hot, ride the wave, who knows. I like our chances now more than ever that is for sure...if we play as well as we can and get beat then so be it....just need to play at the high level recently proven we can play at. Coaching might be an issue but from my view the captains and vets are now in control...if one and done....get rid of him and let someone else see what they can do with this talent before they run out of gas.....IMO

[CaptainMusky]

Its hard to remember because it was over a year ago now, but the Wild definitely deserved a better fate last year in the playoffs that they received. For the most part they had Chicago on their heals much of the time by dominating play for large portions of the games, but Chicago just capitalized on every opportunity they had. We saw where Chicago ended up last year and not to be a homer, but we played with em, even though we were ousted pretty easy based on the W/L, we definitely had chances.

I think this year we are more prepared for this type of challenge. I think we can play with most teams in the NHL. There are a few we do not stack up on paper well against, but that is why you play the games.

Ride the wave BB, Ride the wave! I like it!!

[OnAFly]

Who was the backup goalie last night? They showed him on TV but I didnt hear them say his name. Was that Gustaffson? Im assuming so. He looks 12. :-)

Yep, 30yo John Curry

Check out his wiki page. The guy has played for quite a few teams.

[OnAFly]

So does this mean Yeo gets to keep his job? I haven't heard anyone calling for his head in a while.

Hey - If he can smooth out the ups and downs a touch, and keep the guys winning, I'm all for Yeo. I just get the feeling the downs are caused by his reluctance to change things up and adjust to other teams play. I think he has a good hockey mind. It shows when we are out there dominating, but other teams adjust to us and we take too long to readjust to them. Maybe that takes a little experience to get used to and he turns out to be the next Babcock. We'll find out I guess

On a side note, I'm just now realizing that the extra spicy Thai food last night was not a good idea.

[OnAFly]

IMO the team out of the West will win the cup. Speed kills and the East just does not seem to have it....but like always Goaltending will probably be a key factor. Plus the teams in the East will try to beat each other to a pulp where the West teams won't get so beat up cuz they don't roll that way.

Boston plays like a western team. Big, puck possession game. They SHOULD walk out of the East. It will be interesting to see what happens in the West. With us, LAK, and DAL seemingly on fire going into the playoffs, there could be some major disappointment for some very highly ranked teams. At that point, there are no favorites and everyone has an equal chance.