Koivu and Suter have consistently disappeared in the playoffs throughout their careers, no matter who their coach was. Koivu was invisible throughout most of this postseason, Suter made some glaring mistakes that your #1 dman cannot make.
I see the on ice performance being more of a concern than the on bench performance.
Having said that, you know full well my feelings on Yeo and I wouldn't shed a single tear if he were to leave. Just don't see a coaching change after 3 straight playoff appearances, 2 of which making it to the 2nd round.
- SotaPopinski

Yeah, all true, but a sweep by Chicago cannot be blamed on just two players. Suters worst season in a Wild sweater(maybe of his career) and I think his TOI is certainly something to consider in factoring his performance or lack thereof which falls directly on Yeo. As far as Mikko is concerned, difficult to say he has "disappeared" in the post season since his offensive output hasn't really been a factor in the past 3 regular seasons. Expecting him to step up and start producing goals/points in the post season is an exercise in futility.

This team seems to live and die based on skies the limit highs and unfathomable puzzling lows. That to me will always point the finger at the leadership of the team. Namely coaching.

Look at Calgary for example. They're without their best player and have no where near the skill level the Wild have yet they're putting up a fight. Clearly outmatched but giving Anaheim all they can handle. You don't see them tucking tail and curling up in the fetal position like this team.

Fletcher should be taking his portion of the blame as well. Starting with trading Leddy and Burns he has systematically given away Allstar talent in exchange for mediocre players and picks that have led nowhere while giving away high round pick after high round pick for rental players that have proven largely unsuccessful and let go to free agency. His success thus far in any moves made has been very limited and largely circumstantial, and furthermore have cost this organization vital cap space needed to re-sign the few valuable young assets they do have.

I'm convinced that Fletcher and Yeo need to go. But as I said, JMO.

Thanks HK. With how close the series was with the Hawks last year, our FO was hoping that the experience would help with the growth of our youngsters. On top of that Vanek was added to bring in more goal scoring. It was a gamble that now looks like it will not be paying off. I credit Fletcher for at least going out and trying to improve this roster- so many times you see GM's go the patience route and miss their window of opportunity- it just seems that many of his moves have come up short and now they find themselves inching closer and closer to the cap and also with few draft picks at their disposal.
- SotaPopinski

When the Hawks forwards are willing to play defense like they did in this series, they make it tough for anyone to score against them.

Every time I watch Parise play, I become more a fan of his. The Wild are still a very good team with some nice players.

Been there and know exactly how you guys feel.

Good grief you guys wasted a playoff spot, 4-0?? Really.

Good grief you guys wasted a playoff spot, 4-0?? Really.
- pred_26

Brilliant! How'd that first round end up for your team?

Yeah, all true, but a sweep by Chicago cannot be blamed on just two players. Suters worst season in a Wild sweater(maybe of his career) and I think his TOI is certainly something to consider in factoring his performance or lack thereof which falls directly on Yeo. As far as Mikko is concerned, difficult to say he has "disappeared" in the post season since his offensive output hasn't really been a factor in the past 3 regular seasons. Expecting him to step up and start producing goals/points in the post season is an exercise in futility.

This team seems to live and die based on skies the limit highs and unfathomable puzzling lows. That to me will always point the finger at the leadership of the team. Namely coaching.

Look at Calgary for example. They're without their best player and have no where near the skill level the Wild have yet they're putting up a fight. Clearly outmatched but giving Anaheim all they can handle. You don't see them tucking tail and curling up in the fetal position like this team.

Fletcher should be taking his portion of the blame as well. Starting with trading Leddy and Burns he has systematically given away Allstar talent in exchange for mediocre players and picks that have led nowhere while giving away high round pick after high round pick for rental players that have proven largely unsuccessful and let go to free agency. His success thus far in any moves made has been very limited and largely circumstantial, and furthermore have cost this organization vital cap space needed to re-sign the few valuable young assets they do have.

I'm convinced that Fletcher and Yeo need to go. But as I said, JMO.
- MnGump

Gotta get Suter's TOI down to 26 or below. In 10-11 after the Capocalypse, Keith was way up in minutes, it showed late season. Situation was different, we had JOHN SCOTT dressed for 6D mins. Total TOI? About 4 mins.

Wouldn't get too bent with Leddy. Q couldn't trust him down the stretch and he was riding the pine a lot in the '13 SCF vs the Bs. Guys like Lucic would've chewed him up and spit him out. See the Isles series? Leddy was a liability defencively. But he got the dollars there he sure as hell wasn't going to get here.

I think you may be onto something about Fletch/Yeo.

Brilliant! How'd that first round end up for your team?
- MnGump

A loss is a loss. Our '14 WCF loss to LAK was far more excruciating than the '09 WCF loss to Det. Won more WCF games in '14 than '09, but it hurt 10x more.

Yeah, all true, but a sweep by Chicago cannot be blamed on just two players. Suters worst season in a Wild sweater(maybe of his career) and I think his TOI is certainly something to consider in factoring his performance or lack thereof which falls directly on Yeo. As far as Mikko is concerned, difficult to say he has "disappeared" in the post season since his offensive output hasn't really been a factor in the past 3 regular seasons. Expecting him to step up and start producing goals/points in the post season is an exercise in futility.

This team seems to live and die based on skies the limit highs and unfathomable puzzling lows. That to me will always point the finger at the leadership of the team. Namely coaching.

Look at Calgary for example. They're without their best player and have no where near the skill level the Wild have yet they're putting up a fight. Clearly outmatched but giving Anaheim all they can handle. You don't see them tucking tail and curling up in the fetal position like this team.

Fletcher should be taking his portion of the blame as well. Starting with trading Leddy and Burns he has systematically given away Allstar talent in exchange for mediocre players and picks that have led nowhere while giving away high round pick after high round pick for rental players that have proven largely unsuccessful and let go to free agency. His success thus far in any moves made has been very limited and largely circumstantial, and furthermore have cost this organization vital cap space needed to re-sign the few valuable young assets they do have.

I'm convinced that Fletcher and Yeo need to go. But as I said, JMO.
- MnGump

I'm not blaming the sweep on 2 players, simply pointing out who the 2 worst performers were, especially when contracts are taken into consideration.
Everyone shoulders a share of the blame here, from Leipold on down to Dubnyk, but the guys who play the game should share the heaviest burden. The big money guys and leaders of the team moreso than anyone else. But that's just my opinion.
Not sure how Yeo could help Dubnyk not allow a few softies here and there, or help Pommer find his shot, or show Vanek how to put in some effort.
But we're in agreement in regards to Fletcher. Many of his moves, no matter how much we may have agreed with them at the time, are not panning out. I think he will be given one more season to sort this roster out before the owner loses patience.

When the Hawks forwards are willing to play defense like they did in this series, they make it tough for anyone to score against them.

Every time I watch Parise play, I become more a fan of his. The Wild are still a very good team with some nice players.

Been there and know exactly how you guys feel.
- Elbows15

That's the problem.... nice players don't win you cups. I think the roster for the most part is a-okay, but one drastic move may be in order. Chicago will be blocking the Wild's path for a long time to come. Not to mention the Preds, Jets, Flames and possibly Blues if they get their poop in order one of these years.

That's the problem.... nice players don't win you cups. I think the roster for the most part is a-okay, but one drastic move may be in order. Chicago will be blocking the Wild's path for a long time to come. Not to mention the Preds, Jets, Flames and possibly Blues if they get their poop in order one of these years.
- SotaPopinski

I think maybe there were three things going on with this series...

One, fatigue. It took such a monumental effort by the Wild since January to get back in the race, I wonder if the mental toll as well as physical finally caught up with them. That and I thought Yeo made a mistake playing Dubnyk in 38 or 39 straight, or whatever that number was. Just like I think Trotz playing Holtby 73 games this year is going to catch up to him, too.

Two, I think the Wild started to believe their press clippings a little too much. They were the hottest team going, pretty much cruised through St. Louis, and maybe felt a little too good about themselves the way Chicago limped into the playoffs and stumbled early and often against Nashville.

Three, us Chicago fans are learning this year the core group that has been there, done that, doesn't give a crap about the regular season anymore. Some day that may come back and bite them like it did LA, but they took their play to another level against the Wild, and one gets the feeling they have still more left in the tank.

I think maybe there were three things going on with this series...

One, fatigue. It took such a monumental effort by the Wild since January to get back in the race, I wonder if the mental toll as well as physical finally caught up with them. That and I thought Yeo made a mistake playing Dubnyk in 38 or 39 straight, or whatever that number was. Just like I think Trotz playing Holtby 73 games this year is going to catch up to him, too.

Two, I think the Wild started to believe their press clippings a little too much. They were the hottest team going, pretty much cruised through St. Louis, and maybe felt a little too good about themselves the way Chicago limped into the playoffs and stumbled early and often against Nashville.

Three, us Chicago fans are learning this year the core group that has been there, done that, doesn't give a crap about the regular season anymore. Some day that may come back and bite them like it did LA, but they took their play to another level against the Wild, and one gets the feeling they have still more left in the tank.
- MartiniMan

Can't argue with any of that, MM. The one thing I will say is, Yeo almost did have to play Dubs all of those games. The play of Backstrom and Kuemper was so terrible, it was almost like playing a game with an empty net at all times. Any shot from any spot on the ice had a strong chance of going into the net when they were playing, that is how mind-(frank)ed they were with their game at the time.
With how strong the WC is nowadays, the Wild HAD to go on that ridiculous streak to earn the wildcard spot. Thankfully LA choked during the last week, because as you pointed out, the Wild were beginning to fade- winning 2 of their final 6.
In today's league, it is almost a necessity to have 2 capable goalies able to share the workload throughout the season, then you go with whoever is hotter once the playoffs arrive. We'll see if we have that with Kuemper and Dubnyk.

Can't argue with any of that, MM. The one thing I will say is, Yeo almost did have to play Dubs all of those games. The play of Backstrom and Kuemper was so terrible, it was almost like playing a game with an empty net at all times. Any shot from any spot on the ice had a strong chance of going into the net when they were playing, that is how mind-(frank)ed they were with their game at the time.
With how strong the WC is nowadays, the Wild HAD to go on that ridiculous streak to earn the wildcard spot. Thankfully LA choked during the last week, because as you pointed out, the Wild were beginning to fade- winning 2 of their final 6.
In today's league, it is almost a necessity to have 2 capable goalies able to share the workload throughout the season, then you go with whoever is hotter once the playoffs arrive. We'll see if we have that with Kuemper and Dubnyk.
- SotaPopinski

Oh, I know the margin was razor thin, Sota. I haven't paid attention to the Wild's schedule, but there had to be a break or two in there with a Phoenix, a Buffalo, or an Edmonton or some other also-ran where they could have gotten him out.

My bold prediction is Holtby is going to fade at some point, and sometime soon. I just think these guys can't perform at the highest level after going 70+ games once the competition get better, the intensity ramps, and the overtime minutes start piling up. Maybe I'll be proven wrong.

Has anyone else tried listening to the last few Russo/Souhan podcasts? For me, there always seems to be a lot of dead air. I had tried listening live the last few times and thought it might just be my internet connection causing the issues. But this last podcast with Leipold was over 90 minutes and there's about 20-25 minutes of audio. Anyone else getting that?

Hey Gump...

How about this old time hat?

Hey Gump...

How about this old time hat?

- stljam

You're gonna make Gump cry. Always liked the North Stars' unis.

You're gonna make Gump cry. Always liked the North Stars' unis.
- Elbows15

I liked them too.

Spurgeon trade proposal from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal.

Spurgeon trade proposal from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal.
- Chinaski

Yak has underwhelmed playing next to some very skilled players. How is coming to a defensively structured team going to unleash all of that potential of his?

Not to mention this FO seems to hate Russians...

Yak has underwhelmed playing next to some very skilled players. How is coming to a defensively structured team going to unleash all of that potential of his?

Not to mention this FO seems to hate Russians...
- SotaPopinski

I think it would be a risk, but Yakupov seems to have that higher offensive ceiling that not a lot of Wild players have. Maybe try to do with him what they did with Zucker.

I'm just not sure the Oilers would go for such a deal.

Spurgeon is a pretty good player. But I'm not sure how he is viewed around the league. So it may be difficult to trade him one for one for a player that has a much higher perceived value.

I'm curious what the Wild do with him. If the other teams in the league don't value him because of his size I wonder if the Wild would try trading someone like Scandella or Dumba instead with the intention of keeping Spurgeon.

I think it would be a risk, but Yakupov seems to have that higher offensive ceiling that not a lot of Wild players have. Maybe try to do with him what they did with Zucker.

I'm just not sure the Oilers would go for such a deal.

Spurgeon is a pretty good player. But I'm not sure how he is viewed around the league. So it may be difficult to trade him one for one for a player that has a much higher perceived value.

I'm curious what the Wild do with him. If the other teams in the league don't value him because of his size I wonder if the Wild would try trading someone like Scandella or Dumba instead with the intention of keeping Spurgeon.
- Chinaski

Man, that would be a mistake in my opinion. Spurgeon is just another guy that disappears in the playoffs, or rather is exposed by the style of play it brings. While I don't think he could bring back Yak, I think he can be considered a pretty significant piece in regards to any trade discussions.
Isn't Yakupov set to become a FA after next season or is it further down the road? It would suck to trade for a guy like him, who if they happen to put up strong numbers, then not be able to re-sign him due to cap restrictions.

Man, that would be a mistake in my opinion. Spurgeon is just another guy that disappears in the playoffs, or rather is exposed by the style of play it brings. While I don't think he could bring back Yak, I think he can be considered a pretty significant piece in regards to any trade discussions.
Isn't Yakupov set to become a FA after next season or is it further down the road? It would suck to trade for a guy like him, who if they happen to put up strong numbers, then not be able to re-sign him due to cap restrictions.
- SotaPopinski

He would be a RFA, Sota. He is still on his ELC.

Man, that would be a mistake in my opinion. Spurgeon is just another guy that disappears in the playoffs, or rather is exposed by the style of play it brings. While I don't think he could bring back Yak, I think he can be considered a pretty significant piece in regards to any trade discussions.
Isn't Yakupov set to become a FA after next season or is it further down the road? It would suck to trade for a guy like him, who if they happen to put up strong numbers, then not be able to re-sign him due to cap restrictions.
- SotaPopinski

I wouldn't advocate for keeping Spurgeon over the other guys, but I would be curious to see what the difference in return on a trade would be. That's where he may have the value.

Keeping Spurgeon over one of the other guys means you have someone who is less physical and doesn't have the big, booming shot. But I don't think you have much less of an effective defenseman there. You just have less in the physicality department and you don't have the huge shot. But I think his offensive instincts are as good as either of those two and he's effective at moving the puck, which any team can use.

The big problem with Spurgeon is going to be his contract. He's put up the time and numbers to warrant a significant contract. In the cap world he is probably beyond the point where he is going to outperform his contract.

I guess I'm just curious to see if a team would overvalue a guy like Dumba or Scandella enough that it would be palatable to trade one of them for a significant forward upgrade and just have a guy like Spurgeon stick around to fill that hole while a few of the defensive prospects develop.

He would be a RFA, Sota. He is still on his ELC.
- Elbows15

I just wonder how contract negotiations would go with him/agent. #1 overall picks are a pain in the ass to deal with, even when they don't produce like they should.
And not to beat a dead horse, but this organization has next to no history with Russian players. The more I think about it, the more I don't see a move like this happening.

Oh well, Spurgeon for Patrick Kane is a solid plan B.

I wouldn't advocate for keeping Spurgeon over the other guys, but I would be curious to see what the difference in return on a trade would be. That's where he may have the value.

Keeping Spurgeon over one of the other guys means you have someone who is less physical and doesn't have the big, booming shot. But I don't think you have much less of an effective defenseman there. You just have less in the physicality department and you don't have the huge shot. But I think his offensive instincts are as good as either of those two and he's effective at moving the puck, which any team can use.

The big problem with Spurgeon is going to be his contract. He's put up the time and numbers to warrant a significant contract. In the cap world he is probably beyond the point where he is going to outperform his contract.

I guess I'm just curious to see if a team would overvalue a guy like Dumba or Scandella enough that it would be palatable to trade one of them for a significant forward upgrade and just have a guy like Spurgeon stick around to fill that hole while a few of the defensive prospects develop.
- Chinaski

Seeing how Scandella was recently extended and the quotes from Yeo and Fletch about Dumba being the only player in the entire organization that can do the things he is capable of doing, I would be very surprised to see either one dealt this off season. Like you said, though, maybe a team comes along and makes an offer Fletcher cannot refuse.
Maybe the Granlund negotiations stall and he and Spurgeon become a package deal. I know I love those Logan Couture dream scenarios floating around.

Seeing how Scandella was recently extended and the quotes from Yeo and Fletch about Dumba being the only player in the entire organization that can do the things he is capable of doing, I would be very surprised to see either one dealt this off season. Like you said, though, maybe a team comes along and makes an offer Fletcher cannot refuse.
Maybe the Granlund negotiations stall and he and Spurgeon become a package deal. I know I love those Logan Couture dream scenarios floating around.
- SotaPopinski

That's my thought too - if you could package a guy like Granlund with Spurgeon maybe that brings back the sort of higher end return that could make a significant difference on this team.

That's my thought too - if you could package a guy like Granlund with Spurgeon maybe that brings back the sort of higher end return that could make a significant difference on this team.
- Chinaski

Not to be completely biased, but I see that being a damn good package.... so long as the team trading for them isn't already lacking size and isn't expecting Spurgeon to be a top pairing d-man (unless it's next to Shea Weber)
Hopefully the team brings Leopold back over Prosser and Folin is ready to take on a bigger role. I don't believe there are any blueliners in Iowa ready to make the jump quite yet.
Suter/Brodin
Scandella/Dumba
Folin/Leopold
I can live with that