Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Two of the Best Groups of Young Defensemen Face-Off Tonight

October 23, 2014, 11:01 AM ET [26 Comments]
James Tanner
Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Coyotes are on the road for the second straight game and will take on the Minnesota Wild tonight. The team with the worst nickname in sports (non-racist division) has a 2-2 record and one of the best young teams in hockey and also one of the best to watch.

The Wild's combination of young skill and star veterans will be perhaps the greatest challenges the Coyotes have faced this year. I hate to admit this, but the Wild have superior fire-power to the Coyotes on all three of their top lines and with Brodin, Spurgeon and the emerging Duba (not playing tonight, I assume) the Wild can almost match the Coyotes youthful defense.

The reason I like this team so much is that each line has a sniper - the established Parise and Vanek and the emerging Niederreiter, and each line also has a pretty good centre - Granlund is a player on the rise and one to keep an eye on if fantasy hockey is your thing, Koivu remains a top second line C and I even like Erik Haula who seems like he might have some pretty good upside and at worst has the best name in the League for celebratory related puns.

For more information on the Wild, go read a blog or two by my man Tony Dean who is - to say the least - extremely comprehensive in his pre-game reports.

Segues be damned, here's how you get in the mood for a game in Minnesota.




OK, I will admit it: that might not be the best Prince song. But, even the worst song by Prince is still a song by Prince.

Then there's this:





That's off my personal favorite Dylan album, Desire.
And the best we can do is the Gin Blossoms!!!!!!

Anyways, look for Mike Smith to be back in net tonight and don't expect any Marin Hanzal. Otherwise, the lineup from Tuesday should remain intact.

I will predict a strong showing from Mike Smith tonight, because he's due. The Wild will counter with Darcy Kuemper who has been of Vezina quality so far this season.

Bet on the under. (But also, don't take betting advice from me).

Thanks for reading.
Join the Discussion: » 26 Comments » Post New Comment
More from James Tanner
» I am Just Curious If This Works
» NHL At Least Tries to do the Right Thing
» The NHL Cannot Remain Apolitical and Must Show Leadership
» Time for a New Coach to Go Along with the New G.M
» Coyotes Eliminated Following Severe Beating