The way the season started, who could have expected that the Minnesota Wild would finish their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs by having won their fourth game in the last five? The Wild seems to be responding to the system coach Todd Richards has been trying to instill, and the positives are starting to roll their way. The team still has a long road ahead of it, but the positives are starting to show.
Of course, the Wild didn't make it as easy as the score showed, almost collapsing at the end of the game. With the score sitting at 4-2, the Wild took two quick penalties, and the Maple Leafs had an empty net, giving them, for all intents and purposes, a 6-on-3 power play. But leave it to a goaltender looking for his 100th win to keep the puck out of the net, and leave it to the oldest member of the team to get the puck to travel into the empty net to help secure the victory.
Game pluses:
- Mikko Koivu. Yes, Koivu had one of the late penalties (the always irritating delay of game call), but he also put together a three-point night behind a goal and two assists.
- Marek Zidlicky. Zidlicky has been quietly stepping up and improving his game all season, and he had another good one against the Leafs. He also notched a two-point game of his own.
- Niklas Backstrom. The tail end of the game, facing a 6-on-3, Backstrom did what he's done for his previous 99 wins, and he shut the door in cool, calm fashion. Any other goalie, and the Wild might have been looking at overtime.
Game minuses:
- Brent Burns. Burns keeps trying to do too much with the puck, even though he's acknowledged that simplifying his game makes him a better player. His puck mishandling almost lead to a Toronto short-handed goal.
- Third period. The Wild had a 4-1 lead, and they settled back into a bit of a trapping defense. Minnesota had trouble getting the puck out of their end of the ice, and even more trouble sustaining it.
- Late penalties. After being pinned in their zone most of the final 20 minutes, the Wild's penalties at the end of the game made things more interesting than they should have been. Backstrom kept the game firmly in Minnesota's grasp, but they shouldn't have been forced to kill off a 6-on-3 power play.
Next up: The Wild are undefeated this season against the Eastern Conference, and they hope to keep that going Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Showing posts with label Todd Richards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Todd Richards. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
2009-10 Game Four: Wild 2, Sharks 4
The one thing that the Minnesota Wild definitely didn't need any more of was adversity, but that seems to be what they'll be continuing to get plenty of. After battling hard against the San Jose Sharks for a period and a half, the Wild suffered some crippling injuries to Petr Sykora and Cal Clutterbuck. What had been a strong start became a train wreck, as the Wild fell for the third time in four games.
If it hadn't been for the injuries, things might have ended very differently. The Wild found themselves up 2-0 on the Sharks, and they had put together a strong first period for the first time all season. They pressed on the forecheck, and applied pressure, peppering shots on goal. Unfortunately, the injuries caused coach Todd Richards to start rotating only three lines, and the tired players just couldn't keep up the assault. Quick mental lapses allowed the Sharks to tie the game, and more extended periods of exhaustion gave the game away. Proof that the Wild were physically and mentally exhausted happened right away in the third period, when the game was put out of reach.
Game pluses:
- Forecheck. The Wild were attacking and pressuring at the beginning of the game. It was only when they ran out of gas that they had to pull back. Unfortunately, at that point, it was too late.
- First period. For the first time this season, the Wild looked ready to play when the puck dropped. Being able to take a 1-0 lead into intermission had to give the players confidence that the system will work.
- Andrew Brunette. The veteran forward continues to be a bit of a surprise, leading the team with goals. A big reason why? He's able to play his game, battling behind the net and around the sides, with other players like Mikko Koivu and Martin Havlat skating out near the circles.
Game minuses:
- Injuries. It may go without saying, but the injuries to Clutterbuck and Sykora may have made a long road trip even longer. The Wild need both to get healthy as quickly as possible, and, without Clutterbuck, they may have difficulty finding a spark.
- Power play. Ignore the power play goal. The Wild should have scored more on the power play, but their inability to convert helped cripple them.
- Awareness. There is simply no excuse for the quick San Jose goal at the start of the third period. One the puck drops, you have to be prepared.
Next up: The Wild look to get their trip back in the right direction as they head to Anaheim, to take on the only team they've beaten thus far.
If it hadn't been for the injuries, things might have ended very differently. The Wild found themselves up 2-0 on the Sharks, and they had put together a strong first period for the first time all season. They pressed on the forecheck, and applied pressure, peppering shots on goal. Unfortunately, the injuries caused coach Todd Richards to start rotating only three lines, and the tired players just couldn't keep up the assault. Quick mental lapses allowed the Sharks to tie the game, and more extended periods of exhaustion gave the game away. Proof that the Wild were physically and mentally exhausted happened right away in the third period, when the game was put out of reach.
Game pluses:
- Forecheck. The Wild were attacking and pressuring at the beginning of the game. It was only when they ran out of gas that they had to pull back. Unfortunately, at that point, it was too late.
- First period. For the first time this season, the Wild looked ready to play when the puck dropped. Being able to take a 1-0 lead into intermission had to give the players confidence that the system will work.
- Andrew Brunette. The veteran forward continues to be a bit of a surprise, leading the team with goals. A big reason why? He's able to play his game, battling behind the net and around the sides, with other players like Mikko Koivu and Martin Havlat skating out near the circles.
Game minuses:
- Injuries. It may go without saying, but the injuries to Clutterbuck and Sykora may have made a long road trip even longer. The Wild need both to get healthy as quickly as possible, and, without Clutterbuck, they may have difficulty finding a spark.
- Power play. Ignore the power play goal. The Wild should have scored more on the power play, but their inability to convert helped cripple them.
- Awareness. There is simply no excuse for the quick San Jose goal at the start of the third period. One the puck drops, you have to be prepared.
Next up: The Wild look to get their trip back in the right direction as they head to Anaheim, to take on the only team they've beaten thus far.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Final dress rehearsal
The Minnesota Wild get their final chance of the pre-season to lace up the skates and get things worked out without points on the line. Of course, this has been anything but a smooth pre-season for the team, as they've had to deal with bad ice and injury after injury. All this while trying to learn a new offensive system that should pay dividends down the road, but might lead to some very scary hockey games in the first month or so.
Of course, another thing that has been weighing in the Wild so far has been the naming of a team captain. The obvious choice for many is Mikko Koivu. Not only did he truly step into that leadership role last season, but he's ready to firmly take hold of the team as his own. Whether he was being deceptive or not, part of why it's best that Mikko's brother Saku didn't come to Minnesota is that his presence may have actually weakened Mikko's position as far as the coaches and officials were concerned. By staying away, the elder Koivu has allowed the younger to mold the team to his style. Given the new style that coach Todd Richards is trying to put in place, the league should notice what Mikko does on the ice even more.
Finally, though there are some players on injured reserve, tonight will be a chance for the Wild to skate with fairly close to the line-up that they expect to start the season with. When Saturday rolls around, the line-up will be close to what they've shown in the pre-season, with some exceptions. The Wild's lines will most likely look very similar to this come Saturday evening in Columbus.
Brunette - Koivu - Havlat
There is a chance that Brunette will fall to the second line, but he had great chemistry with Koivu last season. Putting these two with Havlat provides the Wild their best chance at a definitive scoring line.
Sykora - Sheppard - Bouchard
If anyone is going to take Brunette's spot on the top line, it will be Petr Sykora. However, putting Sykora with Sheppard and Bouchard gives the Wild a second line of scoring punch, and allows Bouchard to feed a goal scorer. He hasn't proven himself back at center yet, but skating with Sykora should allow him to regain the positives he had while playing with Brian Rolston.
Nolan - Brodziak - Clutterbuck
Cal Clutterbuck may be primed for a breakout season, and, to get that, he needs a veteran hand guiding him, which is right where Owen Nolan comes into play. Kyle Brodziak was originally slated to be the Wild's fourth center, but has had an amazing training camp, and earned the third line duties, at least for the opener.
Miettinen - Belanger - Scott
John Scott isn't naturally a winger, but he's no more of an offensive liability than Derek Boogaard, who starts the season on IR. Eric Belanger could find his position getting squeezed out, especially when Benoit Pouliot returns from IR himself. Luckily for Scott, he's able to filter back to the blue line.
Burns - Schultz
It may not be the top defensive pairing when the puck drops, but it should be. Burns and Schultz compliment each other incredibly well.
Zanon - Johnsson
Another pairing that just might work, but it will need Kim Johnsson to start playing like the contract he's getting.
Sifers/Hnidy - Zidlicky
Sifers came into camp expecting to go to Houston. He's played so well during the pre-season that, even when Scott gets bumped back to defense, Sifers will tend to get the nod over him. Ultimately, Sifers playing time will probably get determined by Shane Hnidy's health, and, if the "Sheriff" is skating, again Scott might find himself on the pine.
The most notable names not included above? Craig Weller and Colton Gillies. Weller's position was squeezed out by the appearance of Petr Sykora, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him tossed onto the trade block before too long. As for Gillies, the kid still needs to develop. Yes, he played a pile of games with the Wild last year, but he needs to get big minutes, and he's not going to get those in Minnesota. By sending him to Houston, he'll be able to step up and develop the skills he'll need to help anchor the Wild offense in a couple of years. Expect him to contribute big time for the Wild when Tyler Cuma and Nick Leddy are manning the blue line.
Of course, another thing that has been weighing in the Wild so far has been the naming of a team captain. The obvious choice for many is Mikko Koivu. Not only did he truly step into that leadership role last season, but he's ready to firmly take hold of the team as his own. Whether he was being deceptive or not, part of why it's best that Mikko's brother Saku didn't come to Minnesota is that his presence may have actually weakened Mikko's position as far as the coaches and officials were concerned. By staying away, the elder Koivu has allowed the younger to mold the team to his style. Given the new style that coach Todd Richards is trying to put in place, the league should notice what Mikko does on the ice even more.
Finally, though there are some players on injured reserve, tonight will be a chance for the Wild to skate with fairly close to the line-up that they expect to start the season with. When Saturday rolls around, the line-up will be close to what they've shown in the pre-season, with some exceptions. The Wild's lines will most likely look very similar to this come Saturday evening in Columbus.
Brunette - Koivu - Havlat
There is a chance that Brunette will fall to the second line, but he had great chemistry with Koivu last season. Putting these two with Havlat provides the Wild their best chance at a definitive scoring line.
Sykora - Sheppard - Bouchard
If anyone is going to take Brunette's spot on the top line, it will be Petr Sykora. However, putting Sykora with Sheppard and Bouchard gives the Wild a second line of scoring punch, and allows Bouchard to feed a goal scorer. He hasn't proven himself back at center yet, but skating with Sykora should allow him to regain the positives he had while playing with Brian Rolston.
Nolan - Brodziak - Clutterbuck
Cal Clutterbuck may be primed for a breakout season, and, to get that, he needs a veteran hand guiding him, which is right where Owen Nolan comes into play. Kyle Brodziak was originally slated to be the Wild's fourth center, but has had an amazing training camp, and earned the third line duties, at least for the opener.
Miettinen - Belanger - Scott
John Scott isn't naturally a winger, but he's no more of an offensive liability than Derek Boogaard, who starts the season on IR. Eric Belanger could find his position getting squeezed out, especially when Benoit Pouliot returns from IR himself. Luckily for Scott, he's able to filter back to the blue line.
Burns - Schultz
It may not be the top defensive pairing when the puck drops, but it should be. Burns and Schultz compliment each other incredibly well.
Zanon - Johnsson
Another pairing that just might work, but it will need Kim Johnsson to start playing like the contract he's getting.
Sifers/Hnidy - Zidlicky
Sifers came into camp expecting to go to Houston. He's played so well during the pre-season that, even when Scott gets bumped back to defense, Sifers will tend to get the nod over him. Ultimately, Sifers playing time will probably get determined by Shane Hnidy's health, and, if the "Sheriff" is skating, again Scott might find himself on the pine.
The most notable names not included above? Craig Weller and Colton Gillies. Weller's position was squeezed out by the appearance of Petr Sykora, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him tossed onto the trade block before too long. As for Gillies, the kid still needs to develop. Yes, he played a pile of games with the Wild last year, but he needs to get big minutes, and he's not going to get those in Minnesota. By sending him to Houston, he'll be able to step up and develop the skills he'll need to help anchor the Wild offense in a couple of years. Expect him to contribute big time for the Wild when Tyler Cuma and Nick Leddy are manning the blue line.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Offense acquired
New Minnesota Wild coach Todd Richards talked about wanting a higher level of offensive play coming from the Team of 18,000 this season. It certainly looks like GM Chuck Fletcher is going to do what he can to make that happen.
Take, for example, the free agency splash Fletcher made by bringing Martin Havlat to the team. Havlat fills a hole created by a departing Marian Gaborik, who wasn't going to resign with Minnesota no matter how many different armored trucks they tempted him with. While there are no guarantees on Havlat's health, he's no more injury-prone than Gaborik is, and the biggest difference is that he is excited to play hockey regularly in front of the Minnesota fans. Too bad for him that the Wild don't play the Chicago Blackhawks a little more often, to remind Chicago of what they gave up.
Now, Fletcher has added another weapon, by signing one of the most consistent scorers in the league. As of earlier today, the Wild have signed Petr Sykora to a one-year contract, bringing his 300 goals to their line. Sykora himself knows that he needs to be paired up with a playmaking type of skater, so it seems likely that the first offensive line of Brunette/Koivu/Havlat will remain intact, with Sykora skating on a second line with Pierre-Marc Bouchard. The question remains as to who will center that line, with James Sheppard currently having an advantage in that area.
But wait, there's more. Rumors are flying that the Boston Bruins are looking to shop Phil Kessel, and the rumors also point to the Wild have a shot to bring the former Golden Gopher to their team, which would shore up the center position. To be clear, the Wild aren't the only team in the Kessel hunt, and no details are being given as to who might be getting dangled out to Boston, but it could certainly make for an interesting remainder of camp.
Bringing Sykora to the team makes it that much more likely that Colton Gillies will spend the majority of the season in Houston, honing his game. If the Wild are able to land Phil Kessel, it could mean that either James Sheppard has been sent to Boston, or that Benoit Pouliot is on the outside, having exhausted his chances to play in the Xcel Energy Center.
Take, for example, the free agency splash Fletcher made by bringing Martin Havlat to the team. Havlat fills a hole created by a departing Marian Gaborik, who wasn't going to resign with Minnesota no matter how many different armored trucks they tempted him with. While there are no guarantees on Havlat's health, he's no more injury-prone than Gaborik is, and the biggest difference is that he is excited to play hockey regularly in front of the Minnesota fans. Too bad for him that the Wild don't play the Chicago Blackhawks a little more often, to remind Chicago of what they gave up.
Now, Fletcher has added another weapon, by signing one of the most consistent scorers in the league. As of earlier today, the Wild have signed Petr Sykora to a one-year contract, bringing his 300 goals to their line. Sykora himself knows that he needs to be paired up with a playmaking type of skater, so it seems likely that the first offensive line of Brunette/Koivu/Havlat will remain intact, with Sykora skating on a second line with Pierre-Marc Bouchard. The question remains as to who will center that line, with James Sheppard currently having an advantage in that area.
But wait, there's more. Rumors are flying that the Boston Bruins are looking to shop Phil Kessel, and the rumors also point to the Wild have a shot to bring the former Golden Gopher to their team, which would shore up the center position. To be clear, the Wild aren't the only team in the Kessel hunt, and no details are being given as to who might be getting dangled out to Boston, but it could certainly make for an interesting remainder of camp.
Bringing Sykora to the team makes it that much more likely that Colton Gillies will spend the majority of the season in Houston, honing his game. If the Wild are able to land Phil Kessel, it could mean that either James Sheppard has been sent to Boston, or that Benoit Pouliot is on the outside, having exhausted his chances to play in the Xcel Energy Center.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
