Hey MnGump: You should change your screen name to "MnGrump"

But seriously, I love what you bring to the discussions. Priceless!
- Brad Ratgen

Priceless? Who else are you going to argue with? I hear crickets chirping every time I open the Minne blog up. Such great fans we have here in the SOH. Granted I guess you don' t have to be on Hockey buzz in order to be a loyal fan of the Wild, but I really get tired of hearing how plugged in and hockey smart MN fans are when that couldn't be further from the truth.
I bet the majority of MN hockey fans today don't even know who Gump Worsley is.
Too many bandwagon fans here if you ask me that pretend to know the game and the history of MN hockey. But, I guess that's why you dubbed me MnGrump.

I thought I heard an echo in here. You mean all 4 of the Wild fans that post here? Kind of sad really. Self proclaimed state of hockey and we have the least number of followers on the site. Thought for sure more would show up this season. Oh well.
- MnGump

Personally I just found the site a few months ago. I had been on a couple of others but they have lost their appeal. Nice to have a discussion about hockey that is thoughtful and respectful.

You argued the Wild have not been hampered by injury. Still want to say that? Down to goalie #3. The season has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Until this team finds some consistency they will not be able to challenge for the Cup.

Personally I just found the site a few months ago. I had been on a couple of others but they have lost their appeal. Nice to have a discussion about hockey that is thoughtful and respectful.

You argued the Wild have not been hampered by injury. Still want to say that? Down to goalie #3. The season has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Until this team finds some consistency they will not be able to challenge for the Cup.
- Mersch

I guess my whole point in the grand scheme of things was simply to refute the statement that the wild were "severely depleted" due to injury. Yes the Wild(like every other team) have had their share of injuries this season and in the playoffs, but you honestly couldn't hope for a healthier line up leading up to game one of these playoffs.

Honestly I thought Harding played terrific up until last nights incident, so I really didn't think they were missing Backstrom, especially the way he played down the stretch. Either way, I simply disagreed with Brads take because it seemed like he was blaming the first two losses on a depleted line up. With the exception of a couple of soft goals, Harding gave them a chance to win the first 2 games. Yes, Pominville would have been an upgrade, but my only point was that he really wasn't a factor in them getting to the playoffs, so it's not like they were truly "missing" him. Whatever, it's just my opinion. Nothing more.

There's quite a twist of irony to this whole goalie situation for Mike Yeo and Chuck "sell the farm" Fletcher. They ride Backstrom hard all season because they're afraid Kuemper might drop the ball, and in the midst of jockeying for the playoffs they trade away the would be back up, for a guy that was supposed to help them make a legit playoff run, only he gets injured 2 games before post season and is out for the first 3 games of the playoffs.

Backstrom is rode like a sherpa into the playoffs (because Kuemper can't be trusted to play well enough to win) and ends up getting hurt 5 minutes before the start of game 1 forcing Harding to step in and eventually get hurt himself in last nights game ultimately passing the torch over to the guy that couldn't be trusted to win in the first place.

So ultimately all the jockeying and posturing from Wild management becomes moot and the series and most meaningful game of the season falls on the shoulders of one Darcy Kuemper who was put on the shelf for most of the season and not given enough time to prepare for what ultimately is the toughest spot to be in as an NHL back up goalie. Having to basically step in and hoist this club on his back against the best team in hockey in the most meaningful game of the season, all as a rookie who has barely played one meaningful minute so far in his NHL career . You couldn't make that poop up if you tried. (well maybe Brad could)

That whole scenario and how it has unfolded so far makes me worried that the Pominville trade is going to come back and bite Fletcher in the ass. I guess it really already has a little bit.

Harding did as well or better than any body could have expected. No blame should go to him.
I have long felt that Backstrom (is a solid goalie) but is over rated and is a free agent.
Harding is also solid but with medical issues, can he be counted on for 60+ games?

Coaching and management obviously doesn't trust Kuemper at this point. Where does the team go from here?

Harding did as well or better than any body could have expected. No blame should go to him.
I have long felt that Backstrom (is a solid goalie) but is over rated and is a free agent.
Harding is also solid but with medical issues, can he be counted on for 60+ games?

Coaching and management obviously doesn't trust Kuemper at this point. Where does the team go from here?
- Mersch

I think they'll half heartedly try to re-sign Backstrom, but only if he'll settle for a humble contract. Risebrough grossly over paid him. He should be making slightly more than Harding type money. If they don't re-sign Backstrom, I suspect they'll be looking for a reasonably priced free agent like a Mike Smith or Ray Emery.

Personally I think they screwed up by not playing Kuemper more this season, because with his major lack of experience at the NHL level, he'll need at least another season as back up if they want to groom him to be the eventual number one. Gustafsson isn't even playing in the Wild system yet, so he's at best a couple years away from being an option.

I'm starting to wonder if Fletch is worried about giving up so much to get Pominville. I think Hackett could have been next years back up to start the season and eventually the starter if Hardings health issues were to arise again. Haven't seen enough from Kuemper to really make an informed decision yet on whether he has the tools to be a true #1. Not really sure if Hackett did either though, but without him the Wild still have one less option. I'm honestly wondering if it wouldn't be a good idea to consider parting ways with Harding. He'a a career back up that can't stay healthy be it his MS or petty injuries. He has a history of being physically soft and in no way can the Wild depend on him to be the number one.

Biggest problem, without Backstrom or signing a FA, the Wild really don't have a true #1 in their system. At least not one that's ready.

Buy out Heatley and Cam Barker's contract come off the books as well as Backstrom money. A couple others could be replaced by younger and cheaper. There should be a little money to play with.

Buy out Heatley and Cam Barker's contract come off the books as well as Backstrom money. A couple others could be replaced by younger and cheaper. There should be a little money to play with.
- Mersch

I think they'll almost have to buy out Heatley or trade him. As of right now they're 7 million over this years adjusted cap and they'll need to cut an extra 6 million off when next years cap adjusment locks in. So ridding their roster of roughly $13 million by next season is going to force Fletch to make some tough descions and will undoubtedly leave them without a whole lot of wiggle room.

I'd really like to see Cullen re-signed, hoping he'll give the team a home town discount. Say something around $2 million per. If not, he's probably worth around $3 and he'll get that easily somewhere else. I could see Seto possibly getting moved, I like Devin, but he's way too hot and cold for my liking. It's too bad they gave Brodziak that knee jerk contract, he's been a huge disappointment this season and he's making $6 mill over the next 2 years. Clutterbuck may be gone, there's no doubt he's looking at the money Brodz is making and saying I do more than him. Personally I don't think either of them are worth over $2 million per, but that's JMO.

So just removing Backstroms and PMB's cap hits, we're looking at freeing up just over $10 million in cap space. Obviously more will need to come off and I think that's where a buy out of Heatley will be in order. He's due to make $5 million next season, that will get the Wild danger close to the newly adjusted ceiling. If Heater isn't bought out, the Wild will have no choice but to let Clutterbuck and Cullen walk. Spurgeon is also going to be a RFA after the season, I'm sure he's going to be looking for at least $1 million.

I think they'll almost have to buy out Heatley or trade him. As of right now they're 7 million over this years adjusted cap and they'll need to cut an extra 6 million off when next years cap adjusment locks in. So ridding their roster of roughly $13 million by next season is going to force Fletch to make some tough descions and will undoubtedly leave them without a whole lot of wiggle room.

I'd really like to see Cullen re-signed, hoping he'll give the team a home town discount. Say something around $2 million per. If not, he's probably worth around $3 and he'll get that easily somewhere else. I could see Seto possibly getting moved, I like Devin, but he's way too hot and cold for my liking. It's too bad they gave Brodziak that knee jerk contract, he's been a huge disappointment this season and he's making $6 mill over the next 2 years. Clutterbuck may be gone, there's no doubt he's looking at the money Brodz is making and saying I do more than him. Personally I don't think either of them are worth over $2 million per, but that's JMO.

So just removing Backstroms and PMB's cap hits, we're looking at freeing up just over $10 million in cap space. Obviously more will need to come off and I think that's where a buy out of Heatley will be in order. He's due to make $5 million next season, that will get the Wild danger close to the newly adjusted ceiling. If Heater isn't bought out, the Wild will have no choice but to let Clutterbuck and Cullen walk. Spurgeon is also going to be a RFA after the season, I'm sure he's going to be looking for at least $1 million.
- MnGump

Agreed, every point. Fletch has a lot of work to do. Goalie and at least 2 d-men, one of whom has to be a top 4.
And it sucks that more Wild fans don't come here. I mean, most people realize Ek is a complete fraud, but the people that post here is what makes this site pretty cool.
Lastly, sorry for the drunk posting last night. Shaking my head from some of the things I said

I think the loss of Heatley ended up being bigger than most people thought. It seemed liked the wheels came off the wagon once he got hurt. Not that that Wild's success runs through Danny Heatley, but when he's on the ice, other teams certainly have to account for his presence as a goal scorer. He does come at a steep price tag but who do we get to fill his role if he's traded or we buy out his contract? Any players come to anyone's mind?

Also what is the status of goalies Dennis Endras or Johan Gustafsson? I always hear about Gustafsson being the future of Wild goaltenders. He had 6 shutouts for Lulea HF in the Swedish Elite League this year. Here is a link to his stats at the Hockey Futures website:

http://www.hockeysfuture....ospects/johan_gustafsson/

Anyone know more about him or what his time table is for coming over to North America?

There's quite a twist of irony to this whole goalie situation for Mike Yeo and Chuck "sell the farm" Fletcher. They ride Backstrom hard all season because they're afraid Kuemper might drop the ball, and in the midst of jockeying for the playoffs they trade away the would be back up, for a guy that was supposed to help them make a legit playoff run, only he gets injured 2 games before post season and is out for the first 3 games of the playoffs.

Backstrom is rode like a sherpa into the playoffs (because Kuemper can't be trusted to play well enough to win) and ends up getting hurt 5 minutes before the start of game 1 forcing Harding to step in and eventually get hurt himself in last nights game ultimately passing the torch over to the guy that couldn't be trusted to win in the first place.

So ultimately all the jockeying and posturing from Wild management becomes moot and the series and most meaningful game of the season falls on the shoulders of one Darcy Kuemper who was put on the shelf for most of the season and not given enough time to prepare for what ultimately is the toughest spot to be in as an NHL back up goalie. Having to basically step in and hoist this club on his back against the best team in hockey in the most meaningful game of the season, all as a rookie who has barely played one meaningful minute so far in his NHL career . You couldn't make that poop up if you tried. (well maybe Brad could)

That whole scenario and how it has unfolded so far makes me worried that the Pominville trade is going to come back and bite Fletcher in the ass. I guess it really already has a little bit.
- MnGump

I disagree with the premise that Kuemper was not played because they didn't trust that he could play well enough to win. If that was truly what they thought of him, I don't think they would have traded Hackett.

I believe the reason they rode Backstrom and did not play Kuemper was Yeo was simply trying to put his best team on the ice in an effort to lock up a playoff spot as quickly as they could. It was obvious there was pressure to make the playoffs this season. When they went on that little mini-run and were all of a sudden in contention for the division, realizing that goal of making the playoffs was very close. Yeo knew they probably had to make it to keep his job and he also knew they had a terrible schedule over the next 2 weeks. They had 8 games in 13 days, 4 on the road, and those games were against tougher opponents. He wasn't going to change the lineup at that point. He was looking for them to ride that momentum to get as many points as they could.

It backfired a little bit when they did not do so well over that stretch and then he was forced to play Backstrom the whole time. In retrospect, I imagine he might do things a little differently over that last 16-20 games. Learning experience for Yeo. Just my opinion taking all factors into consideration.

I think we still need some time to evaluate the Pominville trade. I have some reservations about it, but I think we need to see what moves are made in the off-season to understand what the long-range plan really is and how that trade will affect it, positively or negatively.

I'd really like to see Cullen re-signed, hoping he'll give the team a home town discount. Say something around $2 million per. If not, he's probably worth around $3 and he'll get that easily somewhere else.
- MnGump

I really hope Cullen goes for something like a 2 year, $4-5 million deal. Next year, he's the 2nd line center. Year after, he is whatever they need him to be - most likely a 3rd line winger that can give them 2nd unit PP time and also some PK time. The problem is that the free agent crop of centers is thin this year and as you point out, he will likely have better offers in both dollars and term from other teams.

at least 2 d-men, one of whom has to be a top 4.
- SotaPopinski

Scandella? Fill in 5-6 with the cluster of guys they already have - Stoner, Gilbert, Falk, Prosser? Not ideal, but may be the way they are forced to go given the cap situation.

Scandella? Fill in 5-6 with the cluster of guys they already have - Stoner, Gilbert, Falk, Prosser? Not ideal, but may be the way they are forced to go given the cap situation.
- Chinaski

Possibly, but then you're going with status quo, hoping all of these guys are able to raise their level of play, and stay consistent. I know what Stoner, Gilbert and Falk bring to this team, and I'm okay with one of them playing on the 3rd pairing. Scandella has been solid since his callup, but so often that is the case with him, then he begins to have mental lapses and suddenly his game goes to poop.
If no improvements are made to the defense, I don't know how Yeo/Fletch expect this team to improve. Too often teams look like they are on a PP against the Wild, and that is mainly a result of d-men failing to clear puck/make accurate outlet passes, or just flat out making boneheaded decisions.

I really hope Cullen goes for something like a 2 year, $4-5 million deal. Next year, he's the 2nd line center. Year after, he is whatever they need him to be - most likely a 3rd line winger that can give them 2nd unit PP time and also some PK time. The problem is that the free agent crop of centers is thin this year and as you point out, he will likely have better offers in both dollars and term from other teams.
- Chinaski

I want to see Parise and Cullen play together, just to see what happens.

I disagree with the premise that Kuemper was not played because they didn't trust that he could play well enough to win. If that was truly what they thought of him, I don't think they would have traded Hackett.

I believe the reason they rode Backstrom and did not play Kuemper was Yeo was simply trying to put his best team on the ice in an effort to lock up a playoff spot as quickly as they could. It was obvious there was pressure to make the playoffs this season. When they went on that little mini-run and were all of a sudden in contention for the division, realizing that goal of making the playoffs was very close. Yeo knew they probably had to make it to keep his job and he also knew they had a terrible schedule over the next 2 weeks. They had 8 games in 13 days, 4 on the road, and those games were against tougher opponents. He wasn't going to change the lineup at that point. He was looking for them to ride that momentum to get as many points as they could.

It backfired a little bit when they did not do so well over that stretch and then he was forced to play Backstrom the whole time. In retrospect, I imagine he might do things a little differently over that last 16-20 games. Learning experience for Yeo. Just my opinion taking all factors into consideration.

I think we still need some time to evaluate the Pominville trade. I have some reservations about it, but I think we need to see what moves are made in the off-season to understand what the long-range plan really is and how that trade will affect it, positively or negatively.
- Chinaski

Fair enough. But if Yeo had any faith at all in Kuempers ability, he should have been sprinkling him in the last dozen games of the season. If for no other reason to get him more experience. Totally unfair to Darcy to be thrown in the Chicago meat grinder in such a meaningful game when he hadn't played in almost a month. Playoffs or bust was the only thing on Yeos mind, and that's fine, I get that, but his decisions have to be questioned by fans and more importantly Fletcher.

As far as Pominville, I like him, I think he fits in well here, still don't like what they gave up to get him, and re-signing him is going to be difficult with the likes of Brodin, Zucker, Coyle and Granlund all approaching their first veteran contract signings...

I want to see Parise and Cullen play together, just to see what happens.
- SotaPopinski

Ditto. Only problem is, I don't think Yeo has the nuts to move Koivu to the second line. Brodziak on the PP is proof enough that Yeo is afraid to cross his veteran players. Here are the lines I'd like to see tonight.

Parise Cullen Pominville

Seto Koivu Coyle

PMB Brodziak Mitchell

Veilleux Dowell Clutterbuck

Ditto. Only problem is, I don't think Yeo has the nuts to move Koivu to the second line. Brodziak on the PP is proof enough that Yeo is afraid to cross his veteran players. Here are the lines I'd like to see tonight.

Parise Cullen Pominville

Seto Koivu Coyle

PMB Brodziak Mitchell

Veilleux Dowell Clutterbuck
- MnGump

I like that line-up. Only thing I'm wondering is if Pominville has shaken off enough of the rust to be playing 1st line minutes? He's a veteran guy so I'm guessing he could handle it. I'm sure Yeo will be status quo on the first line though....

I like that line-up. Only thing I'm wondering is if Pominville has shaken off enough of the rust to be playing 1st line minutes? He's a veteran guy so I'm guessing he could handle it. I'm sure Yeo will be status quo on the first line though....
- Northcotecup

Doesn't matter, Yeo won't make any tough decisions in regards to the line up. He's been status quo pretty much all season with the first line, except when Pominville first got into town. Pominville a much better offensive player than Koivu, yet Yeo was quick to move him off the first line. What the heck, he didn't have any loyalty built up with Pommer yet so it was an easy choice.

This is a problem in my mind, Yeo needs to do what's needed instead of playing favorites. I realize it's a bit late in the game to be experimenting with new line combos, but the status quo is clearly not working. No reason Parise and Koivu should still be together. None whatsoever, but I'm sure they'll go down in flames again tonight together as the minus leaders on the team.

I want to see Parise and Cullen play together, just to see what happens.
- SotaPopinski

I've been wanting to see that all year.