See the pic on Twitter from Russo? I get the feeling that somebody's out of a job after tonight if Wild don't win. Speaks to pressure and it being lonely at the top.

You would need to sign a starting goalie to replace Backstrom, first line winger to replace Heatley, second line center to replace Cullen, and point producing winger to replace Bouchard.

How exactly do you expect to fill those holes with 6 or 7 million in cap space? Or do you plan on just relying on a 29-year old career back up in net, and expect Granlund, Coyle, and Zucker who combined for 26 points to make up for everything you are losing AND improve the team to the point of you guys being contenders?
- Antilles

My guess is Harding would be the tentative starter with Kuemper backing up, it's also possible Kuemper could get the job, even if they have to sign a goalie, they won't be looking for anyone with the ridiculous type of salary that Backstrom had. Granlund and Zucker still need a lot of development, Coyle is a top 6 forward. I think 7 million in cap space is enough to sign a couple of depth players or possibly a bonafide top 6 forward.

See the pic on Twitter from Russo? I get the feeling that somebody's out of a job after tonight if Wild don't win. Speaks to pressure and it being lonely at the top.
- Brad Ratgen

Getting rid of Fletcher would be a mistake. I mean look at what he's done to bolster this roster. In less than 4 seasons, he's built one of the best prospect pools in the league. He signed the two biggest FA's last off season and made a big trade at this years deadline(something the Wild have never done). Granted he's made a few bad decisions but I think this is the kind of guy you want running your team. Yeo on the other hand? He definitely could be without a job after tonight... Yeo might become a good coach, I just don't think it will be with the Wild. Both this year and last his players show a major lack of confidence and bounce back ability, they tanked after the first few months last season and they've virtually done the same this season although this season there is no injury bug excuse to fall back on... Had this been a full season, my guess is we'd be looking at another free fall like last year.

See the pic on Twitter from Russo? I get the feeling that somebody's out of a job after tonight if Wild don't win. Speaks to pressure and it being lonely at the top.
- Brad Ratgen

Fletcher just (frank)ing with Russo. No reason this can't be fun.

Still waiting for Suter to ask for a trade next year if they don't make the playoffs. Signed Nashville.
- dgutzman

Maybe if you keep posting it, it'll come true and/or be funny. Probably not...

PLEASE lose... For us...

Only when I'm working. You actually go on this site when you're not working?
- whipper334

Didn't realize they allowed laptops around the deep fryers.

Wild win... Yay.

I wanted the Avs to lose, but (frank) if you didn't get that game gift wrapped to you by the officials, Kobasew's goal was not a kicking motion in the slightest and what was with Parenteau getting a penalty from the bench? This refs were on their knees for Minnesota tonight.

and what was with Parenteau getting a penalty from the bench?
- Avs-Ice

I think the Wild have gotten called for that this year. Not sure what you have to say to get that call.

I think the Wild have gotten called for that this year. Not sure what you have to say to get that call.
- Chinaski

Haha it has to be so arbitrary. Parenteau does like to lip off though, I have no doubt he said something good.

I wanted the Avs to lose, but (frank) if you didn't get that game gift wrapped to you by the officials, Kobasew's goal was not a kicking motion in the slightest and what was with Parenteau getting a penalty from the bench? This refs were on their knees for Minnesota tonight.
- Avs-Ice

Well I'm not going to say the Wild win that game due to pure effort. I realize guys are tired, back to back nights playing their last one less than 24 hours ago, but Christ some of the Wild players looked lazy. How do you not have that little bit extra when the playoffs are on the line and it's this game or go home.

It has to be a little humiliating for Wild fans to roll into April with at least the 5th seed locked up and even a chance to win the division and have their playoff hopes fall down to the last game and end up settling for the worst seed in the playoffs.

Chicago must be enjoying the fact that they'll get a nice practice series to start the playoffs. The way the Wild have played over the past couple weeks, Chicago wins this series in sweep-like fashion no problem. Wild aren't even a speed bump for Chicago, they're more like those rumble strips that make a little noise when you drive over them, and the faster you go the less noise they make...

What a horrible 3rd period. Apparently the Wild was content with 2 goals and went into prevent mode. This is not a playoff team, but maybe this team can show a glimmer of life vs the Hawks. Hopefully Pommer makes it back in time for game 1.

And for that goal by Kobasew to be disallowed is horsepoop. Way to taint the outcome of this game replay judges

What a horrible 3rd period. Apparently the Wild was content with 2 goals and went into prevent mode. This is not a playoff team, but maybe this team can show a glimmer of life vs the Hawks. Hopefully Pommer makes ot back in time for game 1.
- SotaPopinski

Yep, clear as day they were content to sit on their whopping one goal lead that shouldn't have even been. If there is not playoff implications in this game for the Wild, that goal stands I bet.

Main objective for the Wild for over half the period was to do nothing more than clear the defensive zone. They had absolutely no forecheck and were changing lines every time they cleared the zone.

Chicago must be enjoying the fact that they'll get a nice practice series to start the playoffs. The way the Wild have played over the past couple weeks, Chicago wins this series in sweep-like fashion no problem. Wild aren't even a speed bump for Chicago, they're more like those rumble strips that make a little noise when you drive over them, and the faster you go the less noise they make...
- MnGump

Now the Wild has nothing to lose. We could see them play a little looser and it might be what they need to be more competitive.

Hopefully the Wild players will realize they aren't going to win and spend the last two games just trying to see how many hits they can rack up.

I genuinely feel bad for Columbus, they played their asses off and are far more deserving of a playoff berth than are the Wild. Seriously, just think about it, after the 7 game win streak the Wild go 2-6-1 in their next 9 and ultimately lose 10 of their last 16 games. Columbus won 11 of their last 14 games against teams like Anaheim, St.Louis(who both swept the Wild) and San Jose. Wild lost games to the likes of Calgary and Edmonton when their playoff hopes were on the line.

Truly a pathetic and lucky ending for Minne.

PS. I realize it's a bit hypocritical to sound so bitter in spite of a playoff berth, but how can any Wild fan be satisfied with the way this regular season concluded? They just don't look ready to be a playoff team.

Congrats to you guys. Backstrom bounced back and was good tonight in getting you guys the win. Good luck in the playoffs.

On a side, has anyone heard what someone on the Colorado bench said to draw an unsportsmanlike penalty in the 3rd? Weird timing for that call.

What a horrible 3rd period. Apparently the Wild was content with 2 goals and went into prevent mode. This is not a playoff team, but maybe this team can show a glimmer of life vs the Hawks. Hopefully Pommer makes it back in time for game 1.

And for that goal by Kobasew to be disallowed is horsepoop. Way to taint the outcome of this game replay judges
- SotaPopinski

Congrats on the Wild clinching! Looking forward to the first round!

Now the Wild has nothing to lose. We could see them play a little looser and it might be what they need to be more competitive.
- Chinaski

My thoughts exactly.

Congrats on the Wild clinching! Looking forward to the first round!
- EKolb13

Please, be gentle... but thanks

I genuinely feel bad for Columbus, they played their asses off and are far more deserving of a playoff berth than are the Wild. Seriously, just think about it, after the 7 game win streak the Wild go 2-6-1 in their next 9 and ultimately lose 10 of their last 16 games. Columbus won 11 of their last 14 games against teams like Anaheim, St.Louis(who both swept the Wild) and San Jose. Wild lost games to the likes of Calgary and Edmonton when their playoff hopes were on the line.

Truly a pathetic and lucky ending for Minne.

PS. I realize it's a bit hypocritical to sound so bitter in spite of a playoff berth, but how can any Wild fan be satisfied with the way this regular season concluded? They just don't look ready to be a playoff team.
- MnGump

I think that seven game win streak created more of an illusion than a reality. They finished 7 games over .500 and the teams they beat on the winning streak (Colorado twice, Vancouver, Detroit, San Jose, Dallas, and Phoenix) isn't necessarily them tearing through the best teams in the West.

They had good stretches and they had bad stretches. Put it all together and they were a middle of the pack team that seemed to play more inconsistently when there was more on the line. I'm obviously in the camp that believes a lot of that has to do with the expectations that were placed on them.

I definitely agree that last night's performance instills little confidence as to their chances of moving past the first round. But a lot of things changed after the final horn went off last night. This isn't a bad team when they play a certain way. But if they get off their game the wheels really come off. I really think an underdog role with no expectation to move on past Chicago is the best thing for them. Hopefully it allows them to just focus on playing a certain way without worrying about the outcome.

They will need to make Chicago work very hard for victories to have a chance. If they can steal an early road game and drag this series out a little and just keep putting pressure on the Blackhawks much like they did to LA on Tuesday, it could wear Chicago down a little.

It may not be pretty, but a lot of guys are going to learn some valuable lessons about what it takes to get there and what it takes to move forward. It's also a nice primer for re-kindling what was once a great rivalry going into the new re-aligned Conference next season.

We can only hope that Chicago's goal tending lets them down, otherwise this series could get out of hand quickly. Both Emery and Crawford have put up lackluster #'s come playoff-time, so it is not out of the question.
For Minnesota, obviously, it's all about which Backstrom shows up. These next few days off for him are huge.

Jimmy crack corn and i don't care...

Jimmy crack corn and i don't care...
- MnGump

I always thought it was "Willie" crack "Korn" when I was growing up as a Northstars fan!