The Wild faught a good battle last night with the red hit Florida Panthers only to see it all come unraveled in the dying seconds in the 5-4 loss.

After overcoming 3 1-goal deficits the Wild took their only lead of the night on Luke Kunin's 12th goal of the season and second of the night 7:06 into the 3rd period. The lead was erased with just over four minutes to play when Vincent Trocheck slipped his 7th goal of the season between Alex Stalock's legs. It appeared the Wild would be at least guaranteed a point as the clock ticked away. However the Panthers had other ideas as Noel Acciari deflected Mark Pysyk's last seconds desperation point shot past Stalock with just over 5 seconds left on the clock.

This loss stings of course just because the way it happened however with the current state of the Wild and their position in the standings it becomes much more significant. With just 31 games left on the schedule and the Wild sitting 7 points out of the playoffs with three teams between themselves and the eighth and final playoff position time is running out.

Failing to get at least a point last night stings but could it be a sign that the time is right to make the next movement in the roster turnover process?

We all know finishing ninth is first loser in the standings and an even bigger loser when it comes to draft position. The long suffering Minnesota fans have been through this drill far too often. It is time to sink in the standings in hope of getting an impact player come the June NHL entry draft.

We know that Karill Kaprizov is coming next season so providing him with some supporting pieces while setting up the future needs to be the focus. I am not one to promote tanking and just the mere mention of such makes me squeamish but as stated earlier missing the playoffs is all the same come mid-April. Your team is still sitting home while 16 others play on for Lord Stanley's hardware.

So taking a little bitter medicine now could serve well for the Wild future. There is reason for some optimism with some of the Wild youth both on the roster currently, down on the farm in Iowa, and in the junior ranks. The time now is better served by Bill Guerin working some magic in the trade market stockpiling assets while freeing up cap space to make this team his own and one that is primed to return to the playoffs sooner rather than later.

Join the Discussion: » 19 Comments » Post New Comment

» Walker Up, Goligoski On LTIR

» Wild Look To Tighten Up The D Zone

» New Season Of Hope For Wild

» Kirill Gets The "A"

» Zuccarello Extended For 2 Years