Tony Dean: WildHBcommunity: Something Special Going on in The State of Hockey Taking a look at what has gone so right for the Minnesota Wild to take them from brink of disaster to right in the thick things in the playoff picture.

This guy




Edit: Is a stud.

I was looking at the standings a bit more closely today...I can't believe I'm saying this but...Is there any chance that we could take over Chicago for the 3rd spot? 6 points with a game in hand. Doesn't seem that outlandish if we keep playing like we are right now. Although, when I looked at the schedule about 2.5 months ago...It appeared that late January through the end of February was the conducive time for gaining ground. March 10th is the date where the schedule appears to get tougher...It would be nice to get a bit of a buffer (6-8 points?) on a playoff spot by that date.

I was looking at the standings a bit more closely today...I can't believe I'm saying this but...Is there any chance that we could take over Chicago for the 3rd spot? 6 points with a game in hand. Doesn't seem that outlandish if we keep playing like we are right now. Although, when I looked at the schedule about 2.5 months ago...It appeared that late January through the end of February was the conducive time for gaining ground. March 10th is the date where the schedule appears to get tougher...It would be nice to get a bit of a buffer (6-8 points?) on a playoff spot by that date.


- mngopherguy

I remember having those same kind of thoughts during our multiple hot streaks. Good luck to you but there are quite a few games to go, don't get too ahead of yourself.

Although, when I looked at the schedule about 2.5 months ago...It appeared that late January through the end of February was the conducive time for gaining ground. March 10th is the date where the schedule appears to get tougher...
- mngopherguy

This is an excellent point. The Wild deserve credit for turning things around but they haven't done it against the heavy hitters in the league. In my opinion, there's still a question as to whether or not they can keep this up against stronger competition.

I was looking at the standings a bit more closely today...I can't believe I'm saying this but...Is there any chance that we could take over Chicago for the 3rd spot? 6 points with a game in hand. Doesn't seem that outlandish if we keep playing like we are right now. Although, when I looked at the schedule about 2.5 months ago...It appeared that late January through the end of February was the conducive time for gaining ground. March 10th is the date where the schedule appears to get tougher...It would be nice to get a bit of a buffer (6-8 points?) on a playoff spot by that date.


- mngopherguy

That'd be pretty great if they could manage to leapfrog Chicago, but I don't see it. Chicago is still too good of a team to continue playing like they have recently. Not to mention how difficult the Wilds schedule gets as the regular season comes to an end. Who knows though. This is turning out to be a phenomenal finish, and it's not even March yet

This is an excellent point. The Wild deserve credit for turning things around but they haven't done it against the heavy hitters in the league. In my opinion, there's still a question as to whether or not they can keep this up against stronger competition.
- Chinaski

Agreed. Although they did look very good against Chicago a couple of weeks ago, Chicago has since been in some kind of slump, not unlike the one the Wild were in December. So not sure how much to read into that win.

But along with Dubynk and certain players elevating their play, could possibly be a new and more compatible chemistry with these new look lines since losing Zucker and Cooke.

Seems like it always takes multiple injury to force Yeos hand in recreating the top 3 lines and once again it seems to be successful.

Agreed. Although they did look very good against Chicago a couple of weeks ago, Chicago has since been in some kind of slump, not unlike the one the Wild were in December. So not sure how much to read into that win.
- MnGump

I just refuse to believe that was the real Blackhawks after two days in Vegas for the Super Bowl. They were vulnerable, the Wild had a good opportunity to win, and they took advantage of it. So good on them for doing that. But I don't think it's an indication of how it would typically go if we got their best.

But along with Dubynk and certain players elevating their play...
- MnGump

Here's the thing with Dubnyk. He has been great and his number have been great. But I don't think they are winning because Dubnyk's a great goalie or has been stealing games. I think he's making all the saves he should be making and probably making more than half the ones that are shots that we couldn't really fault him for if those were goals. He definitely has allowed the rest of the team to settle into the system. It's good that he hasn't had to stand on his head for the team to make this run. If he was really outer-worldly during this run, I'd be less inclined to believe they could sustain this.

Agreed. Although they did look very good against Chicago a couple of weeks ago, Chicago has since been in some kind of slump, not unlike the one the Wild were in December. So not sure how much to read into that win.

But along with Dubynk and certain players elevating their play, could possibly be a new and more compatible chemistry with these new look lines since losing Zucker and Cooke.

Seems like it always takes multiple injury to force Yeos hand in recreating the top 3 lines and once again it seems to be successful.
- MnGump

I knew I would find you here....

I may be in the very small minority on this, but of all the teams the Wild could face in the first round, Nashville is the one I'd want to play if I were the Wild. They are a nice regular season story, but that team has never been able to do anything in the post season. They lean a lot on rookies and sophomores, much like the wild. If there is a team that could wilt come the playoffs Id say it would be them. I think the Wild matches up a lot better against the Preds, then against say Chicago or the Blues.

I may be in the very small minority on this, but of all the teams the Wild could face in the first round, Nashville is the one I'd want to play if I were the Wild. They are a nice regular season story, but that team has never been able to do anything in the post season. They lean a lot on rookies and sophomores, much like the wild. If there is a team that could wilt come the playoffs Id say it would be them. I think the Wild matches up a lot better against the Preds, then against say Chicago or the Blues.
- mnhockeyguy

The Wild vs the Predators in a best of 7 series....? Wow. I'm bored just thinking about it.

The Wild vs the Predators in a best of 7 series....? Wow. I'm bored just thinking about it.
- Jeropotato

Didn't say it would be fun haha, but it is probably their best chance of advancing.

Didn't say it would be fun haha, but it is probably their best chance of advancing.
- mnhockeyguy

I'm just bustin balls anyway....plus I think you guys can do away with Anaheim the way youre going as well.

I'm just bustin balls anyway....plus I think you guys can do away with Anaheim the way youre going as well.
- Jeropotato

For whatever reason the Wild generally blows against California teams. I dont want anything to do with the Kings or the Ducks in the 1st round. San Jose... well there's the choke factor so being down 3-1 you'd have them right where you want them.

I may be in the very small minority on this, but of all the teams the Wild could face in the first round, Nashville is the one I'd want to play if I were the Wild. They are a nice regular season story, but that team has never been able to do anything in the post season. They lean a lot on rookies and sophomores, much like the wild. If there is a team that could wilt come the playoffs Id say it would be them. I think the Wild matches up a lot better against the Preds, then against say Chicago or the Blues.
- mnhockeyguy

Only if Rinne is not at 100% gotta be careful that guy is going to be so tough to beat later on.

I may be in the very small minority on this, but of all the teams the Wild could face in the first round, Nashville is the one I'd want to play if I were the Wild. They are a nice regular season story, but that team has never been able to do anything in the post season. They lean a lot on rookies and sophomores, much like the wild. If there is a team that could wilt come the playoffs Id say it would be them. I think the Wild matches up a lot better against the Preds, then against say Chicago or the Blues.
- mnhockeyguy

Initially I thought it would be bad to catch Chicago because it may mean facing the Blues in the first round and that's not the best matchup for the Wild. But I have to say - (frank) matchups. If they make it, bring on any team. If they get a tough draw, well, it's the playoffs. It's not going to be easy no matter what.

Initially I thought it would be bad to catch Chicago because it may mean facing the Blues in the first round and that's not the best matchup for the Wild. But I have to say - (frank) matchups. If they make it, bring on any team. If they get a tough draw, well, it's the playoffs. It's not going to be easy no matter what.
- Chinaski

Agreed 100%!

Initially I thought it would be bad to catch Chicago because it may mean facing the Blues in the first round and that's not the best matchup for the Wild. But I have to say - (frank) matchups. If they make it, bring on any team. If they get a tough draw, well, it's the playoffs. It's not going to be easy no matter what.
- Chinaski

Agreed 100%. When afranchise has only made the post season 4 times in their existence, you take who you can get.

is there not as much love for coyle out there any more?

is there not as much love for coyle out there any more?
- numbear

Jesus....they'll let any Jabroni in here eh?

Agreed 100%. When afranchise has only made the post season 4 times in their existence, you take who you can get.
- Jeropotato

Well its actually 5 times, but yes we'll take just getting in after the disastrous December slump!

is there not as much love for coyle out there any more?
- numbear

There seems to be more love for him from other teams fans than here...

is there not as much love for coyle out there any more?
- numbear

Give us your 1st and he is all yours

I knew I would find you here....
- Jeropotato

Stalker

is there not as much love for coyle out there any more?
- numbear

Of the prospects that looked to have big potential, Coyle so far looks to be the one that has not yet realized much of his. Doesn't look like he's ever going to a scorer... At least not in Yeos system.