Tony Dean: WildHBcommunity: Dominate to Fragile Wild Drops 4th in a Row WildHBcommunity: Dominate to Fragile Wild Drops 4th in a Row

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It has gotten to the point where every aspect and every player on this team has been a huge disappointment since the opening week of the season. It'd be nice to see Kuemper or Backy stand on their head for a game, especially during this scoring drought, but I guess when it rains it pours. And let's be honest, neither of these goalies can be considered true #1's at this point of their careers.
The kids continue to refuse to step up and show this organization that they can be relied upon. Our veterans seem disinterested in leading the way or at the very least lighting a fire under some of the underachievers' asses.
Just all around disappointment.

Wow, very impressive blog - where do you find the time? Finally Wild fans are starting to call out Haula as not being quite as impressive as first thought. I have never been big on that guy and always thought he was given too much respect due to this Gopher past.

I'm on the fence with Dumba still and admit that I haven't seen him play much. I think he will be a quality defenseman but he's only 20 - that's tough for a NHL level Dman. But I do think he would be better served if Yeo sent him down, especially based on what you are saying about his level of play.

Zucker is going to be solid and if I were a Wild fan, I'd want to see him get as many minutes with the big club as possible. And I really wouldn't worry about Granlund as he will have his ups and downs due to age but will be an absolute stud in the league for a long time.

I wouldn't worry too much as a Wild fan. Teams like Winnipeg, Calgary and probably Nashville and Vancouver will all come back down to earth and the Wild will easily surpass them in the standings. It's also good for you guys that Dallas has been struggling as I thought the Wild and the Stars would be battling it out for 3rd in the Central.

Too bad for the Wild that the next Wild/Avs game isn't until February - the Wild could use an easy one right now.

The lines and players are just not being utilized correctly this year. First the 2nd line: Yes they generate possession, but neither Koivu or Coyle are goal scorers and Zucker has changed his play around to a cycle around the boards game with Koivu which isnt going to help his production. He's at his best skating north/south and taking shots at full speed. Haula has been used as a checking center against the opponents top center for much of the year, which, I think is hurting his production. I'd argue that Haula with Vanek and Zucker on the 2nd line would be a lot more potent, and then a Nino-Koivu-Coyle 3rd line could focus on defense with the occasional goal. Cooke was evidently more important to the 4th line than many people give him credit for, because the bottom 2 lines have been a mess lately. Finally, the powerplay needs to change drastically. Koivu needs to be removed completely from the pp. He cannot distribute the puck anymore and his skating is terrible. Sutter should probably be moved to the 2nd pp as well because he's been having difficulties generating anything from the point. 1st pp I'd like to see Vanek, Parise, and Haula down low with Spurgeon and Pominville on the points. 2nd PP would then be Granlund with Coyle and Nino low and Suter with Brodin on the point.

Too bad for the Wild that the next Wild/Avs game isn't until February - the Wild could use an easy one right now.
- manchester33

Actually, the way they are playing, having an "easy" one may be more of an issue. It would likely prolong the problems. They might just need a stretch of very tough teams to get their heads right.

The lines and players are just not being utilized correctly this year.
- mnhockeyguy

I agree. I think that is the cause of many of the problems.

The lines and players are just not being utilized correctly this year. First the 2nd line: Yes they generate possession, but neither Koivu or Coyle are goal scorers and Zucker has changed his play around to a cycle around the boards game with Koivu which isnt going to help his production. He's at his best skating north/south and taking shots at full speed. Haula has been used as a checking center against the opponents top center for much of the year, which, I think is hurting his production. I'd argue that Haula with Vanek and Zucker on the 2nd line would be a lot more potent, and then a Nino-Koivu-Coyle 3rd line could focus on defense with the occasional goal. Cooke was evidently more important to the 4th line than many people give him credit for, because the bottom 2 lines have been a mess lately. Finally, the powerplay needs to change drastically. Koivu needs to be removed completely from the pp. He cannot distribute the puck anymore and his skating is terrible. Sutter should probably be moved to the 2nd pp as well because he's been having difficulties generating anything from the point. 1st pp I'd like to see Vanek, Parise, and Haula down low with Spurgeon and Pominville on the points. 2nd PP would then be Granlund with Coyle and Nino low and Suter with Brodin on the point.
- mnhockeyguy

Pens could use an extra F, they have a solid PP Dman with Paul Martin available....Martin for Nino?

Pens could use an extra F, they have a solid PP Dman with Paul Martin available....Martin for Nino?
- sammy87

If the Pens would make that trade I think the Wild would do it in a heartbeat! Especially if they had assurance from Martin that he would re-sign here.

If the Pens would make that trade I think the Wild would do it in a heartbeat! Especially if they had assurance from Martin that he would re-sign here.
- mnhockeyguy

I'm not so sure about that. Although still a work in progress, Wild have plenty of defensive assets. Forward has been the biggest glaring weakness for the Wild over the past several seasons.

And after getting a prototypical power forward like Nino in what still appears to be a steal of a deal, no way they move him for a defensive asset when they already have a pretty rock solid defensive corps. (unless Fletch knows something we don't)

Great work as usual T!

Not much to expand on. I think people need to relax a bit on Vanek. I mean Thomas isn't the player he was 2 or 3 years ago, but lets not forget he's starting on his 4th team in less than 12 months time.

He may need to be moved around until Yeo finds the best fit for him. Not to mention he's used to playing a more offensive style of play. Wild still a defense first team which doesn't exactly play into the style of play for a guy like Vanek.

If we're into February and he still hasn't shown much in the way of putting up goals and stealing a few games, then it might be time to worry. Until then, people need to relax.

Coyle IMO should be the guy under the most scrutiny. He just signed his big extension and he should be the guy most groomed to step up and play the big time role as top 6 winger. He's done nothing to impress so far and quite frankly, he's been a complete non-factor to this point in the season and lately has started to take dumb and unnecessary penalties.

If the Pens would make that trade I think the Wild would do it in a heartbeat! Especially if they had assurance from Martin that he would re-sign here.
- mnhockeyguy

Yeah Martin is a very solid Dman, there just is no room for him anymore with the gluten of D prospects in the Pens system. They desperately need top 6 support.

I'm not so sure about that. Although still a work in progress, Wild have plenty of defensive assets. Forward has been the biggest glaring weakness for the Wild over the past several seasons.

And after getting a prototypical power forward like Nino in what still appears to be a steal of a deal, no way they move him for a defensive asset when they already have a pretty rock solid defensive corps. (unless Fletch knows something we don't)
- MnGump

Wingers are a lot easier to replace than very good Dmen which Martin is. Also the Wilds bottom pairing still leaves much to be desired... It would also allow them to maybe trade Dumba or Folin along with a pick or another prospect for a some scoring help! Dmen routinely play into their mid to late thirties so having older dmen isnt as much of a concern, especially since Brodin, Scandella, and Spurgeon have played very well for the most part.

Great work as usual T!

Not much to expand on. I think people need to relax a bit on Vanek. I mean Thomas isn't the player he was 2 or 3 years ago, but lets not forget he's starting on his 4th team in less than 12 months time.

He may need to be moved around until Yeo finds the best fit for him. Not to mention he's used to playing a more offensive style of play. Wild still a defense first team which doesn't exactly play into the style of play for a guy like Vanek.

If we're into February and he still hasn't shown much in the way of putting up goals and stealing a few games, then it might be time to worry. Until then, people need to relax.

Coyle IMO should be the guy under the most scrutiny. He just signed his big extension and he should be the guy most groomed to step up and play the big time role as top 6 winger. He's done nothing to impress so far and quite frankly, he's been a complete non-factor to this point in the season and lately has started to take dumb and unnecessary penalties.
- MnGump

Agreed! Id also say Granlund too needs to be under more scrutiny! He's done poorly this year, and actually looks to have regressed.

Wow, very impressive blog - where do you find the time? Finally Wild fans are starting to call out Haula as not being quite as impressive as first thought. I have never been big on that guy and always thought he was given too much respect due to this Gopher past.

I'm on the fence with Dumba still and admit that I haven't seen him play much. I think he will be a quality defenseman but he's only 20 - that's tough for a NHL level Dman. But I do think he would be better served if Yeo sent him down, especially based on what you are saying about his level of play.

Zucker is going to be solid and if I were a Wild fan, I'd want to see him get as many minutes with the big club as possible. And I really wouldn't worry about Granlund as he will have his ups and downs due to age but will be an absolute stud in the league for a long time.

I wouldn't worry too much as a Wild fan. Teams like Winnipeg, Calgary and probably Nashville and Vancouver will all come back down to earth and the Wild will easily surpass them in the standings. It's also good for you guys that Dallas has been struggling as I thought the Wild and the Stars would be battling it out for 3rd in the Central.

Too bad for the Wild that the next Wild/Avs game isn't until February - the Wild could use an easy one right now.
- manchester33

For being a fan of the wrong team, you sure have a good read on ours

Yeah Martin is a very solid Dman, there just is no room for him anymore with the gluten of D prospects in the Pens system. They desperately need top 6 support.
- sammy87

I like Martin but the Wild still need to re-sign Granlund, Scandella, Haula and possibly Folin. I just don't see the Wild taking on another significant contract via trade

Wingers are a lot easier to replace than very good Dmen which Martin is. Also the Wilds bottom pairing still leaves much to be desired... It would also allow them to maybe trade Dumba or Folin along with a pick or another prospect for a some scoring help! Dmen routinely play into their mid to late thirties so having older dmen isnt as much of a concern, especially since Brodin, Scandella, and Spurgeon have played very well for the most part.
- mnhockeyguy

I don't disagree with this, I just think Nino has the potential to be a very dynamic player and those guys don't exactly grow on trees either.

Schroeder (and Bickel) called up from Iowa. Seeing how he has been the only one to show up for the baby Wild thus far, it's nice to see them reward him for his play. Hopefully Yeo plays him in favor of someone that is struggling to give this team a kick in the pants. Not that I see him doing much of anything to help this team get back on the right track, but it's time some of the kids are reminded that their jobs aren't as safe as they may think.

Schroeder (and Bickel) called up from Iowa. Seeing how he has been the only one to show up for the baby Wild thus far, it's nice to see them reward him for his play. Hopefully Yeo plays him in favor of someone that is struggling to give this team a kick in the pants. Not that I see him doing much of anything to help this team get back on the right track, but it's time some of the kids are reminded that their jobs aren't as safe as they may think.
- SotaPopinski

Agreed, but I don't have much faith that Schroeder is going to be anything but a low line injury replacement.

Hard to believe he's got much value @the NHL level if Vancouver was so quick to give up on him.

Schroeder (and Bickel) called up from Iowa. Seeing how he has been the only one to show up for the baby Wild thus far, it's nice to see them reward him for his play. Hopefully Yeo plays him in favor of someone that is struggling to give this team a kick in the pants. Not that I see him doing much of anything to help this team get back on the right track, but it's time some of the kids are reminded that their jobs aren't as safe as they may think.
- SotaPopinski

He could go in for Haula tonight.

Adam Proteau's take on the Wild.

Interesting thing here is he offers no suggestion as to the moves they may need to make other than a general "trade some forward depth to bolster the blue line". I guess he means the forward depth that isn't getting the job done.

They may have cap room this year but they have very little next year. So any moves Fletcher makes this year are likely to be very short term unless he is planning on trading a contract or two with some term. I don't see it.

Adam Proteau's take on the Wild.

Interesting thing here is he offers no suggestion as to the moves they may need to make other than a general "trade some forward depth to bolster the blue line". I guess he means the forward depth that isn't getting the job done.

They may have cap room this year but they have very little next year. So any moves Fletcher makes this year are likely to be very short term unless he is planning on trading a contract or two with some term. I don't see it.
- Chinaski

Meh, everyone needs to calm down. Lest we forget half this starting roster are young players still in development. I'm always on board with pointing out this teams flaws, but we've barely even scratched the surface of this season so far. Granted we've seen some bad hockey over the last week and change, but I believe time is on our side.

Also keep in mind the Wild have had to deal with some very early adversity this season losing their best offensive D man not to mention the motor that powers this team in Parise.

Let's give it some time folks. I said the same thing in regards to Vanek; come the end of February and this team is still struggling offensively... then it's time to start handing out pink slips.

From Russo's Twitter

New lines: Zucker-Koivu-Pominville; Nino-Granlund-Coyle; Schroeder-Haula-Vanek (all Gopher); Carter-Brodziak-Fontaine


I'd really like to see Nino-Koivu-Coyle. Now it's just kind of funny that every combination that's put together never has those three on a line. Although with Granlund between those two, it does have possibilities.

Meh, everyone needs to calm down. Lest we forget half this starting roster are young players still in development. I'm always on board with pointing out this teams flaws, but we've barely even scratched the surface of this season so far. Granted we've seen some bad hockey over the last week and change, but I believe time is on our side.

Also keep in mind the Wild have had to deal with some very early adversity this season losing their best offensive D man not to mention the motor that powers this team in Parise.

Let's give it some time folks. I said the same thing in regards to Vanek; come the end of February and this team is still struggling offensively... then it's time to start handing out pink slips.
- MnGump

I don't disagree but what's disappointing to me is that this roster doesn't play like they believe they can be great and I think they can be. The last four games haven't been so bad - they've had stretches of good play, but they just need to believe they can take it to the next level and it doesn't look to me like they do. I don't know if that's lack of success, a coaching problem, a system problem, or something else.

Who knows, maybe it's just four games and everything is fine. It just doesn't feel that way. Hopefully, it starts to turn around because in the West you can't afford to slide for very long.

Mumps! Ugh!