In all seriousness, what else is there to say about this team? I get so annoyed and frustrated watching this team and then I just throw my hands up and ask what for. I think it's starting to turn to apathy. Oh hey, lookit, another pass happy 2-on-1. BIG suprise. Goody gumdrops, another limp d!ck power play where they can hardly gain the zone. Haven't seen that yet this year. I believe I turned to the wall last night and said, "I'm glad I'm going to stay up late for this", and that was in the first period. (My wall is totally sick of me.)

Same problems over and over and over and nothing is done about it. I was so thrilled to read that the top-4 defensemen have only played in the same game like seven times this year. Wonderful, another crutch for Yeo to explain why things aren't working and to keep trying his totally (frank)ed up line combinations.

I was going to start coming in here and just post the line combinations I want to see over and over because I think the lines are the genesis of just about all of our problems. But I couldn't bring myself to do it because I've already done that many times. It would be like the Barstool Bob doll you get for your kid for Christmas - pull the string and he says "Give me a beer" or "Give me a bigger beer" and that's it.
- Chinaski

LOL Nice! You really know how to cut the core of me Chi! Haven't heard the "Goody gumdrops" bomb dropped for quite some time! That's hilarious!

Yes, it's a maddening team to watch. Defense, shmeefense, this teams main problems are still and as always are offensive! Can't score and can't seem to adjust the game plan to aid themselves in scoring.

The same old vanilla style of offensive play as ever, and it doesn't matter if it's dump and chase or enter the zone passing, 99.999% of the offensive play is along the boards, that's why Stalock was so effective against the Wild last night, every team knows exactly what Yeos plan of attack is.

Most teams don't even worry about clogging up the slot because theres never any puck play there for the Wild, and even if there were, they sure as hell aren't going to shoot the (frank)er. Nope, they'll pass it back over to the half wall and then take some stupid low percentage shot from the far edge of the circle. Same with the PP, perimeter passing, and hey you pass me the puck then will switch spots along the boards and then you pass it back to me and so on until we turn it over! Swell as hell PP model! Ya, maybe in Bantams.

Most teams don't even worry about clogging up the slot because theres never any puck play there for the Wild, and even if there were, they sure as hell aren't going to shoot the (frank)er. Nope, they'll pass it back over to the half wall and then take some stupid low percentage shot from the far edge of the circle. Same with the PP, perimeter passing, and hey you pass me the puck then will switch spots along the boards and then you pass it back to me and so on until we turn it over! Swell as hell PP model! Ya, maybe in Bantams.
- MnGump

This is what really irks me about Coyle. He needs to lead in this area. He's one of the few forwards that supposedly has the size and strength to get to the net and be effective. But apparently he is lacking the drive to do it.

It's the main reason I really want to see him play with Koivu and Niederreiter. They could get that cycle going and eventually drive the net with any one of the other two following up the play. I thought Coyle and Niederreiter had some good cycling shifts against the Islanders but they petered out quickly because Haula can't play that style of game for more than a couple of cycles. Then Yeo had Fontaine with them a little and there's no way Fontaine is playing that cycle game effectively.

This is what really irks me about Coyle. He needs to lead in this area. He's one of the few forwards that supposedly has the size and strength to get to the net and be effective. But apparently he is lacking the drive to do it.

It's the main reason I really want to see him play with Koivu and Niederreiter. They could get that cycle going and eventually drive the net with any one of the other two following up the play. I thought Coyle and Niederreiter had some good cycling shifts against the Islanders but they petered out quickly because Haula can't play that style of game for more than a couple of cycles. Then Yeo had Fontaine with them a little and there's no way Fontaine is playing that cycle game effectively.
- Chinaski

So you'd be okay with Nino and Coyle rounding out the 2nd line?

As much as I like Nino, I think he's still at best a bottom 6 forward on this roster, Coyle is at best a bottom 3 at this point, and as much as I'd love to see a 3rd line of Charlie, Mikko and Nino, Koivu needs to be on one of the top two lines by default due the fact that Granlund and Haula suck at the face off dot. The only other good face off man is Carter and Brodziak and Brodziak is very streaky.


Fontaine is another guy I'd like to see shopped. He just doesn't fit into Yeos system. He's been almost invisible this year much of the time.

Never thought I'd say this but we really need Cooke back in the line up.

So you'd be okay with Nino and Coyle rounding out the 2nd line?

As much as I like Nino, I think he's still at best a bottom 6 forward on this roster, Coyle is at best a bottom 3 at this point, and as much as I'd love to see a 3rd line of Charlie, Mikko and Nino, Koivu needs to be on one of the top two lines by default due the fact that Granlund and Haula suck at the face off dot. The only other good face off man is Carter and Brodziak and Brodziak is very streaky.


Fontaine is another guy I'd like to see shopped. He just doesn't fit into Yeos system. He's been almost invisible this year much of the time.

Never thought I'd say this but we really need Cooke back in the line up.
- MnGump

Yeah, I'm OK with Nino and Coyle on the 2nd line if that's what we have to call it.

Vanek-Granlund-Pominville
Niederreiter-Koivu-Coyle
Parise-Haula-Zucker
(in Gilligan's Island fashion) and the rest

If that doesn't work, swap Granlund and Koivu. And you could even try getting a Niederreiter-Granlund-Coyle line matched up against other teams' fourth lines.

I think Parise-Haula-Zucker would get Haula going offensively and I don't think there would be an issue with over-passing on that line as much. I think we would see a lot of speed and shots. They could be a lead by example line.

I like Fontaine's game, but his size is an issue and he will just never be a good wall player, which Yeo is seemingly trying to turn him into. I agree that he just doesn't fit. He could be good on a big team.

From Russo's Twitter:
Top 2 #mnwild lines same. Nino-Coyle-Fontaine; Carter-Haula-Brodziak

That should do it. All is now fixed.

I am Yeoholio. I need TP for my forward lines.

AND WHERE THE HELL ARE ALL THE (frank)ING WILD FANS ON HB?!!!! Saw Kodiak guy in the San Jose thread but haven't seen him in here for months. Mumchucker and Gypsy in there as well! Where the fack is Sota? Where the fack is Ratgen? Where the fack is minsoh?

How about some love for Tonys blog guys!?! Plus I want to hear some other rants!!!!!

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME YOU FACKERS! AND MISERY LOVES COMPANY! PLEASE JOIN IN THE HATE YOUR FAVORITE TEAM RANTING!

Ok, I'm calm.

(frank)ing Wild.
- MnGump

Watching this team has led me into a downward spiral of booze, hookers and blow... I apologize for my erratic appearances.
Just know that my hatred for Yeo burns deeper than ever and I view nearly half this roster to be a steaming pile of pooh. Maybe when, if ever, I sober up I will attempt to give a more in-depth response.

booze, hookers and blow
- SotaPopinski

Well, look at it this way, at least you've picked three players that play well together.

From Russo's Twitter:
Top 2 #mnwild lines same. Nino-Coyle-Fontaine; Carter-Haula-Brodziak

That should do it. All is now fixed.
- Chinaski

Coyle at center is dumb. Haula with Brodziak and Carter is dumb... dumb dumb dumb. I hate this

Coyle at center is dumb. Haula with Brodziak and Carter is dumb... dumb dumb dumb. I hate this
- MnGump

You know, something just occurred to me. When Cooke comes back, someone will have to sit. Who is it? Is Haula going to be the odd man out? Actually, it will probably be Fontaine.

When Granny went out at the end of last year and Haula filled in for him as #2 center, was he playing with Parise and Pominville when he had about a point per game average or did Yeo shuffle things a bit? I don't remember. It just seems clear that Haula could produce if he played with better players. To stick him with fourth liners that are muckers and grinders just seems to be wasting his strengths.

When Granny went out at the end of last year and Haula filled in for him as #2 center, was he playing with Parise and Pominville when he had about a point per game average or did Yeo shuffle things a bit?
- Chinaski

Pominville and Moulson

Coyle at center is dumb. Haula with Brodziak and Carter is dumb... dumb dumb dumb. I hate this
- MnGump

Coyle on the ice is dumb. He is struggling at all aspects of the game right now, and from what I have been reading, does not yet have the mental toughness to work through this.
Dammit, I want Burns back

Coyle on the ice is dumb. He is struggling at all aspects of the game right now, and from what I have been reading, does not yet have the mental toughness to work through this.
Dammit, I want Burns back
- SotaPopinski

It was mentioned last year and this year that the depth of this organization was creating internal competition that would keep guys on top of their game. Has the Wild's depth been severely overestimated and/or is Iowa such a mess that there is just no one that is an option to call up to push some of these guys? It would be appropriate to sit Coyle down for a game, but who comes in for him?

It was mentioned last year and this year that the depth of this organization was creating internal competition that would keep guys on top of their game. Has the Wild's depth been severely overestimated and/or is Iowa such a mess that there is just no one that is an option to call up to push some of these guys? It would be appropriate to sit Coyle down for a game, but who comes in for him?
- Chinaski

That's just it, there is no one to call up that is going to play any better or give the team any better chance at winning. Aside from maybe Veilluex who really just gives you a motor and physical play.

Schroeder has already proven he's no better than a traffic cone and the rest of the guys are either lifetime AHL'ers or underdeveloped.

Wild have a decent amount of depth defensively, but the cupboard seems to be once again quite bare when it comes to the forward position.

As I alluded to earlier, never thought I'd be saying that I can't wait for Cooke to get back.

That's just it, there is no one to call up that is going to play any better or give the team any better chance at winning. Aside from maybe Veilluex who really just gives you a motor and physical play.

Schroeder has already proven he's no better than a traffic cone and the rest of the guys are either lifetime AHL'ers or underdeveloped.

Wild have a decent amount of depth defensively, but the cupboard seems to be once again quite bare when it comes to the forward position.
domination
As I alluded to earlier, never thought I'd be saying that I can't wait for Cooke to get back.
- MnGump

Graovac or Keranen could be called up to see if they could bring some excitement. Bussieres could have been an option if healthy. Bulmer is officially a bust and Phillips is as well, as far as I am concerned. This may be wishful thinking, but it'd be nice to see Fletch use some of his "assets" to acquire some help, that can fill in right away.
I saw Russo mention that a dman will likely be acquired at some point, but I'd say this team needs more help at the forward position, especially center.

Has the Wild's depth been severely overestimated
- Chinaski

It is looking that way

This may be wishful thinking, but it'd be nice to see Fletch use some of his "assets" to acquire some help, that can fill in right away.
- SotaPopinski

The way I see it, this is basically the team for next year too. They have 15 guys from this year's roster signed for next year and the only guys on expiring contracts are Granlund, Haula, Carter, Brodziak, Ballard, Folin, and Prosser. I could see half of those guys re-signed (Granlund, Haula, Carter, Folin). They better figure out if this group has what it takes to get to the next level pretty soon though.

The way I see it, this is basically the team for next year too. They have 15 guys from this year's roster signed for next year and the only guys on expiring contracts are Granlund, Haula, Carter, Brodziak, Ballard, Folin, and Prosser. I could see half of those guys re-signed (Granlund, Haula, Carter, Folin). They better figure out if this group has what it takes to get to the next level pretty soon though.
- Chinaski

The only way this team remains the same is if they achieve some sort of success. Failing to make the playoffs or another early exit, and I see Leipold/Fletcher making at least one drastic move (Koivu or goaltending). While I have zero issue with the recent signings or the potential signings of Haula, Folin and Carter, my hope is is that these guys step up their game, otherwise they have been signed to some pretty fair deals and can certainly be used to acquire someone that can help this team.

It's frustrating enough to watch these effing clowns pay this mediocre brand of hockey... But then to add to the irritation I have to listen to (frank)ing Lapantsoff and Greengay...

I really hate when we play the Yotes because I get extra irritated by the sound of Lapanta when he says Korpikoski!!!!

2 words... Offensively inept.

To quote Kevin Gorg, " Coyle has a nasty edge to his game tonight".

Is it just me or is the Wild hit harder by the injury/illness bug more than most teams?
Hope it is nothing serious with Spurgeon and help is on the way, because Prosser is not an everyday defenseman.
Don't even get me started on the continued offensive ineptitude. Poor passing and more prime shots being passed up. Doesn't look like Yeo's "pep talk" had much effect.

To quote Kevin Gorg, " Coyle has a nasty edge to his game tonight".
- MnGump

Do you expect anything else from one of the more biased/homerish broadcasting crews in the league?

Lucky win!

Don't even get me started on the continued offensive ineptitude. Poor passing and more prime shots being passed up. Doesn't look like Yeo's "pep talk" had much effect.
- SotaPopinski

(frank)ing Vanek. I remember at least twice where he passed up shots in the high slot. What in the hell is wrong with this guy? Shoot the puck dipsh!t. That's what you were brought here to do.

I don't think playing Vanek with Parise is a good idea. Parise looks really frustrated with the way some shifts just die in the offensive zone because other guys aren't working hard enough. And his comments publicly lately indicate he is really not happy with his teammates. Play him with Zucker. And I don't even care who plays center with them at this point. Those two guys look to be the hardest working wingers on this team and seem to care the most. Put them together and see if it lights a fire under the collective, sleep-walking ass of the rest of these passengers.