Dan Wallace: Still Lots to Play For

This squad has definitely taken major strides this season to become a contender, but i think there is much yet to be done. I think on any given night this squad can compete with any of the top teams in the NHL. Unfortunately i don't think they are yet good enough to keep up in a 7 game series with any of them.

Regardless of that fact, i'm still excited to see how they actually fare in the post season.

This squad has definitely taken major strides this season to become a contender, but i think there is much yet to be done. I think on any given night this squad can compete with any of the top teams in the NHL. Unfortunately i don't think they are yet good enough to keep up in a 7 game series with any of them.

Regardless of that fact, I'm still excited to see how they actually fare in the post season.
- MnGump

I agree with ya Gump. The more I look at everything that is happening, the more I see the smoke and mirrors. Sure, we are in the playoff race, but that is because we only face 2 out of the 7 other teams in our division that are any good. So ya, we are earning points because we are consistently facing garbage teams. The next thing is Kaprisov. Is he a good player? Most definitely. But is he as elite as Minnesotans are making out to be? I'm not sure. He maybe labeled a rookie by the NHL, but the guy is 24 years old, and has been getting stronger and bigger over seas while playing in the KHL. Ovechkin, Crosby, Kane... All these elite players shined in their Rookie seasons, but they were 18-19 years old with no pro experience. So comparing Kaprisov's numbers to other elite players in their rookie years, seems like he has a bit of an advantage that could end up disappointing Minnesota fans in the long run.

I agree with ya Gump. The more I look at everything that is happening, the more I see the smoke and mirrors. Sure, we are in the playoff race, but that is because we only face 2 out of the 7 other teams in our division that are any good. So ya, we are earning points because we are consistently facing garbage teams. The next thing is Kaprisov. Is he a good player? Most definitely. But is he as elite as Minnesotans are making out to be? I'm not sure. He maybe labeled a rookie by the NHL, but the guy is 24 years old, and has been getting stronger and bigger over seas while playing in the KHL. Ovechkin, Crosby, Kane... All these elite players shined in their Rookie seasons, but they were 18-19 years old with no pro experience. So comparing Kaprisov's numbers to other elite players in their rookie years, seems like he has a bit of an advantage that could end up disappointing Minnesota fans in the long run.
- Tweaterben

Well we know he's good... he's likely the best offensive player on the squad if that says anything. I think it's a bit early to place him in the "elite" player category. Although i think it's only a matter of time. Will he ever be in the same conversation as Ovy, Crosby, McDavid? Only time will tell, but i think even as a fairly seasoned 24 year old rookie, he's headed that direction.

I don't think Kaprizov will ever be of the Ovie/McDavid elite status, but he will be (if not already) a Top 20 player in the NHL. His creativity is what makes defenders go crazy. And actually, the best comparison to use for KK is Artemi Panarin. Both were 23/24 entering the NHL. Both had played in the KHL for at least 6 years. The only difference is that Kaprizov appears to be a slightly better scorer and Panarin slightly more of a playmaker.

On another note, kinda scary for Rossi, now that it has come out that he was diagnosed with myocarditis. Not something that anyone, but especially a professional athlete, would ever want to get. Sounds like it they caught it in time that there wasn't any permanent damage.

Well last nights gave certainly had undertones of the Wild of old... Hoping it's just a hiccup.