Tony Dean: MNWild Haula & Niederreiter to Prevent Lightning Strikes Tonight at the X MNWild Haula & Niederreiter to Prevent Lightning Strikes Tonight at the X

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Good test for the Wild tonight. I think tonight's game could help show what Kuemper is made of. I'm not taking anything away from the guy, but Wild teams have always made good goalies look great at times, even when the Wild teams weren't as strong/deep as they are now.

Finnesotans. I like that. Just get them signed.

Good test for the Wild tonight. I think tonight's game could help show what Kuemper is made of. I'm not taking anything away from the guy, but Wild teams have always made good goalies look great at times, even when the Wild teams weren't as strong/deep as they are now.
- manchester33

Good point. He has looked sharp so far, tonight will be one of the harder tests he will face. So long as our D remains steady and Dumba doesn't (frank) up royally, like he has been on the verge of, the Wild should come out with a W.

God, does Nabokov suck.
Now do the Wild quit playing and allow the Bolts back in this? I hope those days are over with

Although I think the bolts were tired and Nab had an off night I am glad all of our lines scored to get some confidence and bring that on the road trip. Playing well defensively and starting to put the puck in the net, I like the D man jumping in the play makes for great chances. Now for the PP to get going

Although I think the bolts were tired and Nab had an off night I am glad all of our lines scored to get some confidence and bring that on the road trip. Playing well defensively and starting to put the puck in the net, I like the D man jumping in the play makes for great chances. Now for the PP to get going
- Minsoh

Yes, Bolts were definitely flat but the Wild needed to take advantage of that and did they ever!
I thought Dumba was very good tonight. By far his best game in a Wild uni. I'm loving this team so far (even with the lack of size and physical play)

Yes, Bolts were definitely flat but the Wild needed to take advantage of that and did they ever!
I thought Dumba was very good tonight. By far his best game in a Wild uni. I'm loving this team so far (even with the lack of size and physical play)
- SotaPopinski

I agree. Really liked how Dumba played created some good chances and skated well. Hopefully keep up this pace to our game, get the PP goin, and we will be dangerous for sure.

Nice ass whoopin! Thought Koivu stood out tonight. Scandy with a Gordie hatty and love Zookers speed!!!

Nice ass whoopin! Thought Koivu stood out tonight. Scandy with a Gordie hatty and love Zookers speed!!!
- MnGump

The kids are definitely pulling their own weight and then some. Can't wait to see how they handle 2 of the "big boys" out of the Eastern Conference coming up.

*Too bad about Olofsson being out 4 months due to shoulder surgery. Sounded like he would have been one of the first call-ups for D help.

Wild looked fast last night, faster than usual. Not sure if that was due to a depleted, somewhat tired Lightning lineup or if they are just really starting to come around.

Impressive given Yeo has the line combinations all honked up. Time to move Zucker up with faster, better offensive players.

Thought Koivu stood out tonight.
- MnGump

Agreed. He looked noticeably better.

Nice ass whoopin! Thought Koivu stood out tonight. Scandy with a Gordie hatty and love Zookers speed!!!
- MnGump

Yeah, Zucker's speed is just insane. Also, I'm not overly worried about Vanek because I think on his assist to Spurgeon happened because everybody thinks he'll shoot. A great pass and tip in makes him even more dangerous unless he stops shooting all together.

Also, I'm not overly worried about Vanek because I think on his assist to Spurgeon happened because everybody thinks he'll shoot. A great pass and tip in makes him even more dangerous unless he stops shooting all together.
- arvinb316

Well, I don't think he's stopped shooting but he has no shots on goal in the last two games. It's my opinion that is a result of his linemates moreso than an unwillingness to shoot. But if that continues, I'd be concerned.

Well, I don't think he's stopped shooting but he has no shots on goal in the last two games. It's my opinion that is a result of his linemates moreso than an unwillingness to shoot. But if that continues, I'd be concerned.
- Chinaski

I think Vanek will eventually come around. The guy has averaged 30 or more goals a season for the last 9 years, I think it'll take a little time.

I'll start worrying if he doesn't score by next week though....

I think Vanek will eventually come around. The guy has averaged 30 or more goals a season for the last 9 years, I think it'll take a little time.

I'll start worrying if he doesn't score by next week though....
- MnGump

Actually, I'm a little concerned about a few guys. Granlund and Niederreiter don't seem to be jumping out to me lately either.

That top line just doesn't seem to be creating as many chances as I remember them creating last season.

I don't think Niederreiter paired with Haula and Fontaine plays to his strengths either. If he has better wall guys on his line, he could be more dangerous.

It was nice to see them put up 7 against Tampa, but let's be honest, three out of the first four goals probably shouldn't have gone in - Nabakov was just off. So I think Saturday night's win masks some issues this team is currently having.

Mirtle's Week Around the NHL (The Globe and Mail) - a nod to Parise and the Wild's top line.

Actually, I'm a little concerned about a few guys. Granlund and Niederreiter don't seem to be jumping out to me lately either.

That top line just doesn't seem to be creating as many chances as I remember them creating last season.

I don't think Niederreiter paired with Haula and Fontaine plays to his strengths either. If he has better wall guys on his line, he could be more dangerous.

It was nice to see them put up 7 against Tampa, but let's be honest, three out of the first four goals probably shouldn't have gone in - Nabakov was just off. So I think Saturday night's win masks some issues this team is currently having.
- Chinaski

Don't worry, come playoff time, Yeosy will have his line combinations all sorted out

What else does Zucker need to do to get moved up a line or 2?

Vanek-Grany-Pom
Parise-Haula-Zucker
Nino-Koivu-Coyle
Cooke-Carter-Fontaine

Try and get Vanek going, if bumping him up doesn't work move him down to 3.

Don't worry, come playoff time, Yeosy will have his line combinations all sorted out

What else does Zucker need to do to get moved up a line or 2?

Vanek-Grany-Pom
Parise-Haula-Zucker
Nino-Koivu-Coyle
Cooke-Carter-Fontaine

Try and get Vanek going, if bumping him up doesn't work move him down to 3.
- SotaPopinski

I'd love to see those lines. At this point, I'd even welcome Vanek-Koivu-Pominville to try to get Vanek going. He could swap Coyle and Pominville and still have some pretty dangerous lines. Or even move Zucker up with Parise and Granlund and Coyle back with Haula and Niederreiter.