Maybe but Granlund just looks slow to me this year. Those three seemed to have good chemistry last year and were pretty creative with the puck. Now it just seems like they never have it. Maybe a speedier guy on the right would help that. It's worth a shot.
- Chinaski

Not to mention all they seem to do anymore is play patty cake with the puck behind the net. While that plays right into Parise's game, Granlund and Pommer are so weak on the boards that often times as soon as a body is laid on either of them, the puck is leaving the zone.

Not to mention all they seem to do anymore is play patty cake with the puck behind the net. While that plays right into Parise's game, Granlund and Pommer are so weak on the boards that often times as soon as a body is laid on either of them, the puck is leaving the zone.
- SotaPopinski

... and what happened to puck possession? We're back to just clear the zone, just clear the zone... Drives me nuts and this dump and chase BS on the PP also drives me nuts.

I lost count of how many times last night and against NY they were getting the puck in our zone and just doing anything to immediately get it out. Which most of the time didn't include a clean break out unless the other teams were on line changes.

Not to mention all they seem to do anymore is play patty cake with the puck behind the net. While that plays right into Parise's game, Granlund and Pommer are so weak on the boards that often times as soon as a body is laid on either of them, the puck is leaving the zone.
- SotaPopinski

Granlund is knocked off the puck so easily. It's a problem. He needs to be much stronger on his skates.

... and what happened to puck possession? We're back to just clear the zone, just clear the zone... Drives me nuts and this dump and chase BS on the PP also drives me nuts.

I lost count of how many times last night and against NY they were getting the puck in our zone and just doing anything to immediately get it out. Which most of the time didn't include a clean break out unless the other teams were on line changes.
- MnGump

It's pretty apparent that this team hasn't been on top of it's game for a couple of weeks now. The penalties, puck possession, dump & chase creeping back in and the PP continuing to be abysmal... and yet they've still found a way to win most nights.
Just not a lot of reasons to be fired up about this team come playoff time, but they still have a short period of time to find their game, and getting a guy like Zucker back sure doesn't hurt.

If there's one thing this team does in the off season I'm hoping it's making some kind of move to improve down the middle of this line up. Maybe Graovac? I don't know, but Koivu's absence last night was extremely noticeable.
- MnGump

Something I've been wondering about lately with all the McDavid/Eichel hype. Could the Wild put together a package and trade for the 2nd overall pick to grab Eichel?

One of Granlund or Coyle
One of Niederreiter or Zucker
One of Brodin, Scandella, or Dumba

If Niederreiter or Zucker was gone, it may leave them room to re-sign Stewart.
I'm not crazy about dealing one of the defensemen, but I think they have some depth there that they could parlay into an impact player. And I think they could then just re-sign Spurgeon to help fill that void.

Just throwing it out there for discussion. I'm not sure it's something that would be a good move or that I would be in favor of. But Eichel could be a real solid center for a long time and the Wild is definitely not strong down the middle right now.

Granlund is knocked off the puck so easily. It's a problem. He needs to be much stronger on his skates.
- Chinaski

Yep, Nino as well which surprises me. He's got the frame and hands to be good with the puck, but man does he end up on his ass too often.

Something I've been wondering about lately with all the McDavid/Eichel hype. Could the Wild put together a package and trade for the 2nd overall pick to grab Eichel?

One of Granlund or Coyle
One of Niederreiter or Zucker
One of Brodin, Scandella, or Dumba

If Niederreiter or Zucker was gone, it may leave them room to re-sign Stewart.
I'm not crazy about dealing one of the defensemen, but I think they have some depth there that they could parlay into an impact player. And I think they could then just re-sign Spurgeon to help fill that void.

Just throwing it out there for discussion. I'm not sure it's something that would be a good move or that I would be in favor of. But Eichel could be a real solid center for a long time and the Wild is definitely not strong down the middle right now.
- Chinaski

I would rather see Spurgeon gone before any of those d-men, and losing a Nino/Zucker who are well on their way to being 30 goal scorers isn't the best idea, in my opinion.
You're giving up a lot of points and creating some holes for one guy that hasn't proven a thing yet.

I would rather see Spurgeon gone before any of those d-men, and losing a Nino/Zucker who are well on their way to being 30 goal scorers isn't the best idea, in my opinion.
You're giving up a lot of points and creating some holes for one guy that hasn't proven a thing yet.
- SotaPopinski

Honestly I like Nino but have lost hope that he'll ever be a 30 goal scorer. Much like Haula he had a very significant run in the post season but in my mind has failed to rise above or even match that level so far this season.

I think there is still potential there, but since being bumped up due to Zuckers injury, he's really accomplished very little in the grand scheme of things.

Zucker was in the midst of what really could have been a break out season when he went down. He's a player that I wouldn't care to move unless he was the key piece in a major deal bringing back a top 2 prospect.

My point is, maybe time to move a guy like Nino while he's still has top value because if he doesn't step up again next season, he won't garner nearly as much interest trade wise.

Coyle is another one, maybe time to cut bait and get something in return before the entire league knows that he's that great guy of a player that will always underachieve.

Yep, Nino as well which surprises me. He's got the frame and hands to be good with the puck, but man does he end up on his ass too often.
- SotaPopinski

I agree, it's what I mentioned the other day about Nino and Coyle...I gave Granlund a little more of a leash because he's a smaller guy...but Coyle and Nino seem to be on the ice more often than not! I saw Charlie try and jump around a guy in a battle for the puck last night instead of knocking him on his arse! He's a big boy, he needs to skate like one!

Charlie needs to trim the afro and get back into military mode! Play Big!!!

And you are right, Granny needs to stop acting like a 'Granny' on his skates!

Honestly I like Nino but have lost hope that he'll ever be a 30 goal scorer. Much like Haula he had a very significant run in the post season but in my mind has failed to rise above or even match that level so far this season.

I think there is still potential there, but since being bumped up due to Zuckers injury, he's really accomplished very little in the grand scheme of things.

Zucker was in the midst of what really could have been a break out season when he went down. He's a player that I wouldn't care to move unless he was the key piece in a major deal bringing back a top 2 prospect.

My point is, maybe time to move a guy like Nino while he's still has top value because if he doesn't step up again next season, he won't garner nearly as much interest trade wise.

Coyle is another one, maybe time to cut bait and get something in return before the entire league knows that he's that great guy of a player that will always underachieve.
- MnGump

He's improved in every area of his game since arriving here. Jumping from 14 to 24 goals between last season and now, plus earning Yeos trust defensively.
I'm all for trading him if he gets us a centerman, but combining him with our current #1 C PLUS our top pairing dman for the next 10+ years is astronomical.
Trading a guy like Nino, who could have peaked right now or could get even better is a very risky move. Especially with the deal he signed

I agree, it's what I mentioned the other day about Nino and Coyle...I gave Granlund a little more of a leash because he's a smaller guy...but Coyle and Nino seem to be on the ice more often than not! I saw Charlie try and jump around a guy in a battle for the puck last night instead of knocking him on his arse! He's a big boy, he needs to skate like one!

Charlie needs to trim the afro and get back into military mode! Play Big!!!

And you are right, Granny needs to stop acting like a 'Granny' on his skates!
- mngopherguy

I think what we see is what we're gonna get with Coyle. I really need to get past the Burns trade...what a downer that turned out to be

I think what we see is what we're gonna get with Coyle. I really need to get past the Burns trade...what a downer that turned out to be
- SotaPopinski

I agree. As disappointing as Nino, haula, and granlund have been at times, I still think there is a lot of upside with those guys. Especially Nino. Coyle? I just don't know. The flashes we've seen out of him are too few and far in between. But then again with yeo straight up telling the media that Coyle is a grinder, maybe that is what he's trying to be. It seems we have a team with too many unknown potentials, and guys trying to fit in to roles that they don't quite fit into.

I find it fascinating that we can all get so down on a team that has been winning so much lately, but.. I don't know. The losses just LOOK so bad, and some of the wins do too.

I find it fascinating that we can all get so down on a team that has been winning so much lately, but.. I don't know. The losses just LOOK so bad, and some of the wins do too.
- gypsypunk01

It is pretty amusing, in some sick twisted way. The team, it's fans, media, etc all had high expectations for this year and when the team is clicking, it's easy to see why. Unfortunately they rarely play at the level they are capable of, and that has become so frustrating to watch, win or lose.

I would rather see Spurgeon gone before any of those d-men, and losing a Nino/Zucker who are well on their way to being 30 goal scorers isn't the best idea, in my opinion.
You're giving up a lot of points and creating some holes for one guy that hasn't proven a thing yet.
- SotaPopinski

Yeah, no doubt, it's easier to see Spurgeon gone than one of those other three. But to make an impactful trade I don't think other teams would want Spurgeon over one of those three. To be honest, I have a lot of doubt that the Wild would consider trading any of those defensemen, but I always try to look at trades of this sort from the perspective of the opposing GM. And if I'm an opposing GM, I would want one of those defenseman over Spurgeon.

Plus, if keeping two of those three plus Spurgeon can give you a chance at a guy that is widely considered a generational player, I think it's worth consideration. That's not to say a team with the #2 pick would definitely go for that deal in the first place, but if they would, it would be worth consideration.

I'm a little reluctant to give up Niederreiter because the Wild already lacks size. But I think I'm more reluctant to give up Zucker purely on the speed/skill factor.

We'll have to see how things play out in the playoffs. But if Granlund doesn't look like the long term answer for this lineup, I'm not sure how they fix that problem.

Long time reader, first time blogger. Hello everyone! First thing I want to say is that this state has some terrible "hockey experts" I can no longer listen to KFAN and even if it has been an exciting season, Lapanta needs to go. Anyways, good season in such a touch division. I been very happy with Dumba's play, every if he does have some metal mistakes here and there. People wrote him off way to soon! Also for those ragging on Nino, yes he is inconsistent but 24 goals and he is only 22. His power play time is low and his regular ice time compared to others. Also a question for you guys. Do you think Suter should be pulled off the first pp unit and have his ice time lowered?

Do you think Suter should be pulled off the first pp unit and have his ice time lowered?
- DeathB4Passing

I won't say I speak for all of us here but it wouldn't surprise me if I could - yes, he should be pulled off the first PP unit. If it hasn't happened by now, it's never going to happen.

As bad as the PP has been all year, I can note two recent instances in the last 4-6 weeks where he left the first unit on the ice in a 2-man advantage - actually took a time out at the first stoppage both times to rest them so he could put them back out there after they really hadn't done much of anything to begin with. He is never going to radically change up the personnel on that first unit unless injuries force him to do so.

It's the main reason I really can't get too excited about the Wild getting a power play and never really mind too much when a penalty goes uncalled that will give them one.

I won't say I speak for all of us here but it wouldn't surprise me if I could - yes, he should be pulled off the first PP unit. If it hasn't happened by now, it's never going to happen.

As bad as the PP has been all year, I can note two recent instances in the last 4-6 weeks where he left the first unit on the ice in a 2-man advantage - actually took a time out at the first stoppage both times to rest them so he could put them back out there after they really hadn't done much of anything to begin with. He is never going to radically change up the personnel on that first unit unless injuries force him to do so.

It's the main reason I really can't get too excited about the Wild getting a power play and never really mind too much when a penalty goes uncalled that will give them one.
- Chinaski

I agree that he needs to be pulled off. To be honest, I have been disappointed with his play this year. He is a great all around D-man and a terrific outlet passer but the killer offensive instinct from a top D-man who is paid a high salary is....not that great. The last couple of games he has looked gassed, getting beat to the puck. I wish Yeo would lower his ice time. As for the pp, nothing will change. Its easy to say that this should happen and this guy should be here but I bet they do a lot of various things in practice for the pp (Well I hope).

Yeah, no doubt, it's easier to see Spurgeon gone than one of those other three. But to make an impactful trade I don't think other teams would want Spurgeon over one of those three. To be honest, I have a lot of doubt that the Wild would consider trading any of those defensemen, but I always try to look at trades of this sort from the perspective of the opposing GM. And if I'm an opposing GM, I would want one of those defenseman over Spurgeon.

Plus, if keeping two of those three plus Spurgeon can give you a chance at a guy that is widely considered a generational player, I think it's worth consideration. That's not to say a team with the #2 pick would definitely go for that deal in the first place, but if they would, it would be worth consideration.

I'm a little reluctant to give up Niederreiter because the Wild already lacks size. But I think I'm more reluctant to give up Zucker purely on the speed/skill factor.

We'll have to see how things play out in the playoffs. But if Granlund doesn't look like the long term answer for this lineup, I'm not sure how they fix that problem.
- Chinaski

The more I think about it, the more okay with it I am. Would be more comfortable with Granlund, Scandella and a 1st. Zucker and Brodin are nearly untouchables, imo. No other player on the roster do what they do

We'll have to see how things play out in the playoffs. But if Granlund doesn't look like the long term answer for this lineup, I'm not sure how they fix that problem.
- Chinaski

I wouldn't be opposed to trading Granny. He'll bring back a decent pick/prospect I should think.

Long time reader, first time blogger. Hello everyone! First thing I want to say is that this state has some terrible "hockey experts" I can no longer listen to KFAN and even if it has been an exciting season, Lapanta needs to go. Anyways, good season in such a touch division. I been very happy with Dumba's play, every if he does have some metal mistakes here and there. People wrote him off way to soon! Also for those ragging on Nino, yes he is inconsistent but 24 goals and he is only 22. His power play time is low and his regular ice time compared to others. Also a question for you guys. Do you think Suter should be pulled off the first pp unit and have his ice time lowered?
- DeathB4Passing

Welcome! Great to see some new blood in here!

. Do you think Suter should be pulled off the first pp unit and have his ice time lowered?
- DeathB4Passing

Yes. He's been very pedestrian if not detrimental to the PP unit. Plus getting him off the PP would go a long way towards cutting his TOI and keeping him fresh towards the end of games.

The more I think about it, the more okay with it I am. Would be more comfortable with Granlund, Scandella and a 1st. Zucker and Brodin are nearly untouchables, imo. No other player on the roster do what they do
- SotaPopinski

Cant disagree with that. Zucker and Brodin are definitely players you want to build around.

. The last couple of games he has looked gassed, getting beat to the puck
- DeathB4Passing

Absolutely, and it's been more than just the last couple games.

This is one of Yeos biggest faults as the Wild skipper. He's either too afraid to put his foot down with Veteran players, or he gives them Carte Blanche when it comes to letting them call their own shots.

In Suters case it's been obvious he's just not up to logging those kind of minutes any longer. There's a reason the top pairing D-men in the league are logging on average 2 - 5 minutes less per game than Suter. And the majority of them are all offensively more productive.

If he was 100% effective that would be a differen't story. But as you pointed out and I think most of us have noticed. He's slowing way down in the 3rd periods.

He was eggregiously beaten to the puck the other night against the Rangers in the last minute of the game which negated icing. That cannot happen. EVER. Not in the last minute with goalie pulled and down a goal.

Yes. He's been very pedestrian if not detrimental to the PP unit.
- MnGump

I'll leave Scandella out of this since it's been explained as to why they won't put him on the PP. I'd much rather see Dumba, Spurgeon, Brodin, and Folin on the blueline over Suter on PP. When Folin isn't playing, Suter's an option.