If you believe the rumor mill, then you've already accepted as fact the possibility that the Minnesota Wild is shopping around their only remaining original player. In fact, the local papers are even pointing to unnamed NHL executives saying that they've been personally asked if they are interested in Marian Gaborik, and his hefty contract hit. The unnamed execs are quoted as saying that they aren't interested in a trade.
Take that all with a grain of salt, though. Yes, Gaborik could be on the trade block. By the same token, the Wild could be inching closer to signing him to a long-term extension. The Wild bosses tend to hold their cards close to their chests, and this situation is no different. The biggest trick for the Wild, if they are trying to shop Gaby around, would be finding a team that could take him and his salary hit, and making sure to get players that make the deal look at least close to equal. However, when you couple Gaby's history of injuries with the fact that he's a year away from becoming a UFA, you realize how much more difficult it's going to be for a team to take a bite. After all, nobody wants to be like the Penguins with Marian Hossa.
As to where Gaby might end up if he does move, look for him to go east. The Wild are no fools in that aspect, and they'd make a point of shopping Gaborik out to some place that they might have to play him twice a season, unless there's a Stanley Cup match-up. After all, when he's healthy, he's always an offensive threat.
For now, it's just rumor. But rumors could spur action, so we might have more on this fairly soon.
Now, on to the Michael Peca incident. As many hockey fans now, Peca got suspended after a game against Dallas, where he initiated contact with an official. We've seen the video, and it's true that Peca grabbed the ref's arm, which is enough to merit the suspension. Peca did have an appeal, and got his suspension cut down to five games, due to circumstances that led to his grabbing the ref. Those circumstances?
Peca was tripped by Brendan Morrow on a power play. Shortly afterwards, Morrow scored a goal, which outraged the Blue Jacket veteran. So, in anger, and in trying to argue with the officials, he grabbed the referee's arm, and got slapped with his suspension. And yes, looking at the video, Peca was tripped. So was he justified?
Not in the slightest. There are calls that get missed every single game, and every single period. There are trips, crosschecks, holds, hooks, high sticks and elbows that change the course of the game and the officials don't send a player into the sin bin for them. Do some of those non-calls lead to goals? Yes. Was Peca right to be angry? Yes. But the problem here is that he grabbed an official. Say what you will about the refs at any sporting event, but they should be off-limits, except by accident. And Peca's been in the league long enough to know that, and keep his head in check. By grabbing the official, Peca took him from a position of authority to the same level as the players, and practically painted a target on him. And, in some ways, the NHL condoned Peca's actions by cutting his suspension in half.
Peca's able to return to the ice Friday night against the New York Rangers. Here's hoping he learned from his time off, and he is able to help reestablish the officials as the adjudicators of the sport.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Game Four: Wild 1, Lightning 0 (SO)
The game Saturday night reminded us why the game of hockey isn't played on paper. It also reminded us that sometimes, the best team doesn't get the bounces. After being outplayed for 60 minutes by Tampa Bay, Minnesota finally applied sustained pressure in the overtime period before sneaking away with the win in a shootout.
Defensively, both teams played strongly, as Tampa overcame penalty trouble with a very impressive penalty kill. Offensively, the Lightning had the edge, pouring more (and better) shots at Niklas Backstrom than the Wild were able to toss at Mike Smith. In fact, the only Wild line that seemed to be able to generate anything going offensively was the Brunette-Koivu-Miettinen line. Some of the best chances of the game for Minnesota came with Smith was caught out of his net, but the Wild weren't able to put the puck into the net. As for the best chances by the lightning, they were stopped by some tremendous saves by Backstrom, and some impressive blocks by both Nick Schultz and Eric Belanger.
When it came time for the shootout, it was obvious that Backstrom had practiced it in the off-season. Not sporting a great shootout record, he was able to stop all three Lightning shots (including a little help by Lecavelier just missing the post), while the only two Wild shooters who got the chance were Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen. Koivu attempted a different shot than his standard, which allowed Miettinen to take a page from his fellow Finn's book. The backhand roofer lit the lamp, and allowed the Wild to skate away with the 1-0 shootout victory, and improved their record to an impressive 4-0.
Good points from the game:
- Defense. All around, the Wild played a tight defensive game. Checking was physical, pucks were stopped everywhere, and Backstrom was given clear views of the net. Plus, keeping the penalty kill at a perfect 100% for the season is always golden.
- Shootout. We don't necessarily want to see a lot of these this year, but if the Wild can produce on the shootout the way they did Saturday, we might rest easier. No shock that the Wild's shooters were set at Koivu, Miettinen, and Brunette.
- Eric Belanger. He was the only Wild player not part of the top line that got a couple of decent looks at the net. Diving in front of those two pucks late in the third period saved the game for the Wild.
Negatives from the game:
- Power play. True, the Lightning found a way to tighten up their weak penalty kill, possibly because of coach Wes Walz's familiarity with the Wild power play. And true, the Wild had two very short chances. But the team wasn't really able to muster many shots on net, and should have been able to end the game sooner.
- Offense. Plain and simple, the team couldn't find a groove, offensively. They were badly outshot, and a good number of their attempts came from bad angles on the ice.
- Creating their own luck. The Wild admittedly had luck on defense, but none in the offensive zone. When a wandering goalie leaves the net open, and the puck is bouncing around, someone should have stepped up. And yet, when the Wild were in position, they tended to miss the net, or fan on the puck. Maybe some time off before the next game will get the team back on track.
Next up: Thursday night, against the 4-0-1 Buffalo Sabres, who have a game against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
Defensively, both teams played strongly, as Tampa overcame penalty trouble with a very impressive penalty kill. Offensively, the Lightning had the edge, pouring more (and better) shots at Niklas Backstrom than the Wild were able to toss at Mike Smith. In fact, the only Wild line that seemed to be able to generate anything going offensively was the Brunette-Koivu-Miettinen line. Some of the best chances of the game for Minnesota came with Smith was caught out of his net, but the Wild weren't able to put the puck into the net. As for the best chances by the lightning, they were stopped by some tremendous saves by Backstrom, and some impressive blocks by both Nick Schultz and Eric Belanger.
When it came time for the shootout, it was obvious that Backstrom had practiced it in the off-season. Not sporting a great shootout record, he was able to stop all three Lightning shots (including a little help by Lecavelier just missing the post), while the only two Wild shooters who got the chance were Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen. Koivu attempted a different shot than his standard, which allowed Miettinen to take a page from his fellow Finn's book. The backhand roofer lit the lamp, and allowed the Wild to skate away with the 1-0 shootout victory, and improved their record to an impressive 4-0.
Good points from the game:
- Defense. All around, the Wild played a tight defensive game. Checking was physical, pucks were stopped everywhere, and Backstrom was given clear views of the net. Plus, keeping the penalty kill at a perfect 100% for the season is always golden.
- Shootout. We don't necessarily want to see a lot of these this year, but if the Wild can produce on the shootout the way they did Saturday, we might rest easier. No shock that the Wild's shooters were set at Koivu, Miettinen, and Brunette.
- Eric Belanger. He was the only Wild player not part of the top line that got a couple of decent looks at the net. Diving in front of those two pucks late in the third period saved the game for the Wild.
Negatives from the game:
- Power play. True, the Lightning found a way to tighten up their weak penalty kill, possibly because of coach Wes Walz's familiarity with the Wild power play. And true, the Wild had two very short chances. But the team wasn't really able to muster many shots on net, and should have been able to end the game sooner.
- Offense. Plain and simple, the team couldn't find a groove, offensively. They were badly outshot, and a good number of their attempts came from bad angles on the ice.
- Creating their own luck. The Wild admittedly had luck on defense, but none in the offensive zone. When a wandering goalie leaves the net open, and the puck is bouncing around, someone should have stepped up. And yet, when the Wild were in position, they tended to miss the net, or fan on the puck. Maybe some time off before the next game will get the team back on track.
Next up: Thursday night, against the 4-0-1 Buffalo Sabres, who have a game against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Game Three: Wild 6, Panthers 2
Alright. If anyone had said that the Wild were going to score 6 goals last night against a relatively tough defensive team before last night, it would have been easy to call them crazy. Especially when you look at the injuries, and realize that the Wild were missing the services of an entire forward line, with Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Owen Nolan, and (surprise!) Marian Gaborik sitting in the press box or back in Minnesota. Taking the Wild's youth into consideration, and the strength of the Florida D, it just didn't seem possible for that kind of offensive output.
Well, apparently nobody told Mikko Koivu, Antti Miettinen, or Andrew Brunette, as the Wild's "second" line (which has been playing like a first line since the first puck drop against Boston) notched ten points, and four of the goals for the team. Koivu turned in a brilliant performance, notching a late power play goal to go along with his four assists. Miettinen turned in another two goal performance, adding an assist of his own, and Brunette, once again, was the guy to get the lamp lit for the first time for the Wild, giving the team a 1-0 lead that they never looked back from.
Sure, Florida had their chances, but every time they brought it back within one, Minnesota stepped up and notched another insurance goal. One of the prettiest goals, after one of the more foolish plays, came off the stick of Benoit Pouliot. The kid went coast-to-coast, and, instead of smartly dumping the puck for a smooth line change, he battled 1-on-2, splitting the defense before turning Tomas Vokoun inside out. The Wild didn't let up in the third period when Craig Anderson took over the Florida net. Heck, even Derek Boogaard got into the fun, getting an assist for his first point since, well, the last time the Wild were in Florida (February 2007, for those playing at home).
Good points from the game:
- The "second" line. Obviously the line of Miettinen-Koivu-Brunette has yielded results. We're not quite to the point of saying "Marian Who?", but these three have just clicked, and carried the team to a 3-0-0 start.
- Defense. For the most part, the defense was strong, and bodies were flying all over the place. The only real scary spot? The first Florida goal, where Backstrom was screened by about three Panthers.
- Special teams. Again, the special teams has been huge for the Wild. Sure, they could have won the game without their power play goals, but they also could have won with just those tallies. Besides, the team still hasn't given up a power play goal.
Negatives from the game:
- Inexperience. Aside from Pouliot's beautiful goal, the rookies were a little scary to watch with the puck. Reitz was relatively strong, but too many fancy moves by Mojzis, Pouliot, or Gillies often led to missed chances.
- Boogaard vs. Belak. Not a good fight for Boogey, and not a great one for Belak either. Neither player could keep their legs under them, and they spun for awhile. Plus, after the penalties from earlier in the period (and the brawl), this fight just felt a little tacked on.
- The second period. Alright, most of the second period was actually really good. And it's hard to argue with any period that involves going from up 1-0 to being up 4-2. However, the Wild almost let Florida back into the game twice. The killer instinct from the third period needs to be more pronounced earlier.
Next up: Saturday against the 0-2-2 Tampa Bay Lightning. It's going to be imperative for the Wild to not look past the Lightning at this point of the season.
Well, apparently nobody told Mikko Koivu, Antti Miettinen, or Andrew Brunette, as the Wild's "second" line (which has been playing like a first line since the first puck drop against Boston) notched ten points, and four of the goals for the team. Koivu turned in a brilliant performance, notching a late power play goal to go along with his four assists. Miettinen turned in another two goal performance, adding an assist of his own, and Brunette, once again, was the guy to get the lamp lit for the first time for the Wild, giving the team a 1-0 lead that they never looked back from.
Sure, Florida had their chances, but every time they brought it back within one, Minnesota stepped up and notched another insurance goal. One of the prettiest goals, after one of the more foolish plays, came off the stick of Benoit Pouliot. The kid went coast-to-coast, and, instead of smartly dumping the puck for a smooth line change, he battled 1-on-2, splitting the defense before turning Tomas Vokoun inside out. The Wild didn't let up in the third period when Craig Anderson took over the Florida net. Heck, even Derek Boogaard got into the fun, getting an assist for his first point since, well, the last time the Wild were in Florida (February 2007, for those playing at home).
Good points from the game:
- The "second" line. Obviously the line of Miettinen-Koivu-Brunette has yielded results. We're not quite to the point of saying "Marian Who?", but these three have just clicked, and carried the team to a 3-0-0 start.
- Defense. For the most part, the defense was strong, and bodies were flying all over the place. The only real scary spot? The first Florida goal, where Backstrom was screened by about three Panthers.
- Special teams. Again, the special teams has been huge for the Wild. Sure, they could have won the game without their power play goals, but they also could have won with just those tallies. Besides, the team still hasn't given up a power play goal.
Negatives from the game:
- Inexperience. Aside from Pouliot's beautiful goal, the rookies were a little scary to watch with the puck. Reitz was relatively strong, but too many fancy moves by Mojzis, Pouliot, or Gillies often led to missed chances.
- Boogaard vs. Belak. Not a good fight for Boogey, and not a great one for Belak either. Neither player could keep their legs under them, and they spun for awhile. Plus, after the penalties from earlier in the period (and the brawl), this fight just felt a little tacked on.
- The second period. Alright, most of the second period was actually really good. And it's hard to argue with any period that involves going from up 1-0 to being up 4-2. However, the Wild almost let Florida back into the game twice. The killer instinct from the third period needs to be more pronounced earlier.
Next up: Saturday against the 0-2-2 Tampa Bay Lightning. It's going to be imperative for the Wild to not look past the Lightning at this point of the season.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Game Two: Wild 4, Thrashers 2
Heading into last night's game, the Minnesota Wild had never lost in regulation to the Atlanta Thrashers. However, through two periods, it looked like the Wild and Thrasher goaltender Kari Lehtonen might find a way to make that first regulation loss happen. True, the score was tied at 1, thanks to an Andrew Brunette power play goal, and an answering goal from Ilya Kovalchuk, but the Wild offense just didn't seem to be clicking for the most part. When it did, Lehtonen stood huge in net, stopping pucks that he shoudn't have had a chance at.
And then the third period began, the strong defense that the Wild had been playing all night gave the team some good offensive opportunities, and the Wild skated away with the win. The catalyst may very well have been the gritty goal scored by Marian Gaborik (yes, we said gritty and Gaborik in the same sentence). After a nice wrap-around effort by Mikko Koivu, the puck trickled to Mathieu Schneider. Gaby decided that he didn't want Atlanta to move the puck out, so he lifted Schneider's stick, scooped the puck, and floated it past Lehtonen. That goal seemed to put some jump into the Wild's step, and especially into the step of Antti Miettinen, as he notched his second and third of the season to help the Wild win. A nice defensive play by Brent Burns at the end of the game kept the Thrashers from bringing it back to within one.
Overall, the team looked shaky on offense. Passes weren't crisp, and players seemed to be skating a little haphazardly, at least until the third. And no, we're not talking about Martin Skoula tripping over the center line. In spite of this, the defense held strong, helping Backstrom just enough to keep the game close, until the Wild's offense could click.
Good points from the game:
- Defense. We've said it before, and we'll say it again. Without the defensive play they received, the Wild would have been manhandled out there.
- Penalty kill. The Wild shut down the Thrashers power play, and, while they're only two games into the season, they haven't given up a power play goal yet.
- Back check. When Atlanta pressed into the Wild zone, Minnesota was able to help out Backstrom with some excellent back checking, including a huge hit by none other than Marian Gaborik.
Negatives from the game:
- Injuries. Nolan went down with a "lower body injury". Bouchard was sent home with back spasms. This will make things tougher on the young Wild.
- Power play. The first power play looked like a well-oiled machine. The following four looked like they'd forgotten how to drive.
- Rookies. Pouliot and Gillies were all over the ice, but not in a good way. Thankfully, Eric Reitz was strong in defense.
Next up: Thursday against the 1-1 Florida Panthers.
And then the third period began, the strong defense that the Wild had been playing all night gave the team some good offensive opportunities, and the Wild skated away with the win. The catalyst may very well have been the gritty goal scored by Marian Gaborik (yes, we said gritty and Gaborik in the same sentence). After a nice wrap-around effort by Mikko Koivu, the puck trickled to Mathieu Schneider. Gaby decided that he didn't want Atlanta to move the puck out, so he lifted Schneider's stick, scooped the puck, and floated it past Lehtonen. That goal seemed to put some jump into the Wild's step, and especially into the step of Antti Miettinen, as he notched his second and third of the season to help the Wild win. A nice defensive play by Brent Burns at the end of the game kept the Thrashers from bringing it back to within one.
Overall, the team looked shaky on offense. Passes weren't crisp, and players seemed to be skating a little haphazardly, at least until the third. And no, we're not talking about Martin Skoula tripping over the center line. In spite of this, the defense held strong, helping Backstrom just enough to keep the game close, until the Wild's offense could click.
Good points from the game:
- Defense. We've said it before, and we'll say it again. Without the defensive play they received, the Wild would have been manhandled out there.
- Penalty kill. The Wild shut down the Thrashers power play, and, while they're only two games into the season, they haven't given up a power play goal yet.
- Back check. When Atlanta pressed into the Wild zone, Minnesota was able to help out Backstrom with some excellent back checking, including a huge hit by none other than Marian Gaborik.
Negatives from the game:
- Injuries. Nolan went down with a "lower body injury". Bouchard was sent home with back spasms. This will make things tougher on the young Wild.
- Power play. The first power play looked like a well-oiled machine. The following four looked like they'd forgotten how to drive.
- Rookies. Pouliot and Gillies were all over the ice, but not in a good way. Thankfully, Eric Reitz was strong in defense.
Next up: Thursday against the 1-1 Florida Panthers.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Game One: Wild 4, Bruins 3
The Wild opened their division champion defense Saturday night against the Boston Bruins. The Team of 18,o00 came into the game having never lost a home opener, but they were playing against a goaltender that helped them reach that mark. The game also marked the first in a Wild sweater for a number of players. Thankfully for Wild fans, those newcomers helped win the game.
The first period started out rough, but that was to be expected for a team that hadn't played a game in a week. After going down 1-0 on a goal by Boston's Phil Kessel, the Wild looked a little shell-shocked. They were being outshot, and had already had to fight off a 4 minute double minor to defenseman Brent Burns. The Wild got two chances on the power play in the first period, and, like last year, the team cycled the puck a lot, but didn't put together a lot of shots. By the same token, they may not need a lot of shots if the players can deliver good ones, like Eric Belanger did on the second power play. His goal tied the score as the teams skated into intermission.
In the second period, the flood gates opened for the Wild, and they were able to mount a strong showing. If it hadn't been for some spectacular saves by Manny Fernandez, the Wild could have put easily five or six pucks in the net. As it was, they were able to notch another three goals, coming from Marc-Andre Bergeron (on the power play), Antti Miettinen, and another goal by Eric Belanger. The Bruins skated well, but couldn't sneak anything past Nik Backstrom, and they went down 4-1 to end the second period.
In the third, the wheels came off a bit, and Boston's Marc Savard brought the game within one with two pretty goals. Where many of the Wild goals came thanks to scrapping in front of the net, the Boston goals just seemed to have great trajectory. However, much like Fernandez in the second period, Backstrom made some tremendous saves to keep his team in the lead. A late penalty against Stephane Veilleux led to a thrilling end-of-game, as the Bruins put the pressure on, pulling their goaltender to get a 6-on-4 power play. In the end, though, the Wild stood strong.
Good points from the game:
- Newcomers. Not only did Bergeron and Miettinen score in their first Wild games, but Owen Nolan, Andrew Brunette, and Colton Gillies notched assists. It was Gillies first NHL point.
- Special teams. The Wild power play went 2 for 3, while their penalty kill held the Bruins to 0 for 3.
- Surprises. The Wild lines didn't change, as has been the case in past seasons. Also, seeing Marian Gaborik on the penalty kill reminded us why he's more than just a goal scorer, something that couldn't be said a few years back.
Negatives from the game:
- Pressure. The Wild put a lot of pressure on the Bruins in the first period, but didn't have many shots to show for it. When Boston ramped back up, the Wild looked a little shaky, and Backstrom had to stand tall.
- The third period. The Wild didn't have a strong third period, which is a huge change from last season. Here's hoping that they get that figured out before too long.
- Shots. The Wild were outshot by a good margin. While the passes were fairly crisp, and players had good looks, they didn't always pull the trigger when they could have. A prime example of that? Both Colton Gillies and Marian Gaborik tried to feed Derek Boogaard when they had clearer paths to the goal.
Next up: Atlanta Thrashers, who are 1-0-1.
The first period started out rough, but that was to be expected for a team that hadn't played a game in a week. After going down 1-0 on a goal by Boston's Phil Kessel, the Wild looked a little shell-shocked. They were being outshot, and had already had to fight off a 4 minute double minor to defenseman Brent Burns. The Wild got two chances on the power play in the first period, and, like last year, the team cycled the puck a lot, but didn't put together a lot of shots. By the same token, they may not need a lot of shots if the players can deliver good ones, like Eric Belanger did on the second power play. His goal tied the score as the teams skated into intermission.
In the second period, the flood gates opened for the Wild, and they were able to mount a strong showing. If it hadn't been for some spectacular saves by Manny Fernandez, the Wild could have put easily five or six pucks in the net. As it was, they were able to notch another three goals, coming from Marc-Andre Bergeron (on the power play), Antti Miettinen, and another goal by Eric Belanger. The Bruins skated well, but couldn't sneak anything past Nik Backstrom, and they went down 4-1 to end the second period.
In the third, the wheels came off a bit, and Boston's Marc Savard brought the game within one with two pretty goals. Where many of the Wild goals came thanks to scrapping in front of the net, the Boston goals just seemed to have great trajectory. However, much like Fernandez in the second period, Backstrom made some tremendous saves to keep his team in the lead. A late penalty against Stephane Veilleux led to a thrilling end-of-game, as the Bruins put the pressure on, pulling their goaltender to get a 6-on-4 power play. In the end, though, the Wild stood strong.
Good points from the game:
- Newcomers. Not only did Bergeron and Miettinen score in their first Wild games, but Owen Nolan, Andrew Brunette, and Colton Gillies notched assists. It was Gillies first NHL point.
- Special teams. The Wild power play went 2 for 3, while their penalty kill held the Bruins to 0 for 3.
- Surprises. The Wild lines didn't change, as has been the case in past seasons. Also, seeing Marian Gaborik on the penalty kill reminded us why he's more than just a goal scorer, something that couldn't be said a few years back.
Negatives from the game:
- Pressure. The Wild put a lot of pressure on the Bruins in the first period, but didn't have many shots to show for it. When Boston ramped back up, the Wild looked a little shaky, and Backstrom had to stand tall.
- The third period. The Wild didn't have a strong third period, which is a huge change from last season. Here's hoping that they get that figured out before too long.
- Shots. The Wild were outshot by a good margin. While the passes were fairly crisp, and players had good looks, they didn't always pull the trigger when they could have. A prime example of that? Both Colton Gillies and Marian Gaborik tried to feed Derek Boogaard when they had clearer paths to the goal.
Next up: Atlanta Thrashers, who are 1-0-1.
Friday, October 10, 2008
A captain shall ascend
Today, the Wild announced who gets to wear the "C" on the front of their sweater for at least the month of October. The choice?
One of the two guys who were told yesterday that they'd be wearing the "A", and the one that many fans think could hold the "C" on a permanent basis.
So congratulations, Mikko Koivu! We expect the "A" to be transferred to Johnsson for the beginning month, especially since he was acting as the team's captain througout the preseason.
In looking at last night's season opening games, it appears that the moves the NHL has made over the years to improve scoring have finally started showing results. All four of the games featured at least 5 goals scored. In fact, two of the teams scored 5 themselves, with Boston needing the extra talley to top Colorado, and Vancouver only needing one on their way to a 6-0 shutout of Calgary. In the other games, San Jose topped Anaheim 4-1 and Toronto spoiled Detroit's banner-raising with a 3-2 victory over the Red Wings.
Another pile of games on the slate tonight, but we're still waiting for tomorrow when the Wild face the Bruins.
One of the two guys who were told yesterday that they'd be wearing the "A", and the one that many fans think could hold the "C" on a permanent basis.
So congratulations, Mikko Koivu! We expect the "A" to be transferred to Johnsson for the beginning month, especially since he was acting as the team's captain througout the preseason.
In looking at last night's season opening games, it appears that the moves the NHL has made over the years to improve scoring have finally started showing results. All four of the games featured at least 5 goals scored. In fact, two of the teams scored 5 themselves, with Boston needing the extra talley to top Colorado, and Vancouver only needing one on their way to a 6-0 shutout of Calgary. In the other games, San Jose topped Anaheim 4-1 and Toronto spoiled Detroit's banner-raising with a 3-2 victory over the Red Wings.
Another pile of games on the slate tonight, but we're still waiting for tomorrow when the Wild face the Bruins.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Opening Night
Well, technically, the NHL season opened over the weekend in Europe, with a couple of sets of back-to-back games. And it's true, the Minnesota Wild (who we unabashedly follow) don't have their first game until Saturday night against the Boston Bruins. But that's not going to stop the eight teams that do have games scheduled tonight, including three of the Wild's in-division rivals. The Colorado Avalanche are playing Boston, and the Calgary Flames are taking their re-tooled offense across Canada to play Pavol Demitra and the Vancouver Canucks.
Meanwhile, here in St. Paul, the Wild are getting ready to start on their division title defense. The roster has a lot of youth, but also some good experience and leadership in some of the grizzled veterans. And, at least for now, the team still has the services of #10. Of course, two of their defensemen are starting the season injured, but they should be able to absorb that, as well.
Here's what we're guessing (thanks to tips from others) the lines will look like on Saturday:
Forwards
Veilleux - Sheppard - Gaborik
This line clicked in Montreal last Saturday. Sheppard's got some skills that work well with both wingers, Gaby can be the offensive focal point, and Steph can play the gritty offense he's known for, digging pucks out of the corners and harassing the goaltender.
Brunette - Koivu - Bouchard
This could be a big offensive line for the Wild, and we think pairing Bouchard with Brunette might be able to rekindle some of that spark from the '03 campaign. Watch for Koivu to continue his progress to being a terrific two-way center.
Nolan - Belanger - Miettinnen
We admit, we differ from some sources on this line and the one prior to it. We just think that putting these three together allows the Wild to have a line that's got offensive potential, but also the grit and tenacity to make things happen that shouldn't. Nolan and Miettinnen both have good skills in the offensive zone. It remains to be seen if Belanger can find his groove from the beginning of last season.
Gillies - Pouliot - Weller
A young line, but a tough line. We could also see Gillies and Miettinnen swapped during the season, if the Wild are looking for a little more experience to guide the rookie in his first campaign.
Healthy Scratch - Derek Boogaard
While the Boogeyman is a force on the ice, he doesn't provide much offensively, and the Wild are going to need offense to keep up with Boston. The Bruins have a stronger team, especially with the return of Patrice Bergeron, but they aren't the Bruins of old, who would bruise people into submission. We expect Boogaard to not play game one, but could be wrong.
Defensive pairings
Johnsson - Burns
The teams top two defensemen. Both are steady in their own zone, and both can provide a spark of offense when needed. Plus, Burns brings a youthful exuberance to the ice.
Skoula - Bergeron
Martin Skoula has drawn the ire of Wild fans over the years. Will pairing him with Marc-Andre Bergeron and his booming shot help?
Schultz - Reitz
If Reitz can play strongly in this first game, he should be able to have a good shot at staying in the line-up. If not, he might be the first one removed when Zidlicky returns from his ankle injury.
Healthy Scratch - Tomas Mojzis
Mojzis was impressive in training camp. He could easily take Reitz's spot in the line-up, but we think Lemaire is going to go with Reitz against Boston.
IR - Foster, Scott, Zidlicky
Two injured ankles, and we know what happened to Foster last year against the boards. When these guys are healthy, the entire defense (aside from Burns and Johnsson) could be scrambled, and that could spark a Wild team that's got some tough times ahead of it if it wants to repeat as division champs.
Meanwhile, here in St. Paul, the Wild are getting ready to start on their division title defense. The roster has a lot of youth, but also some good experience and leadership in some of the grizzled veterans. And, at least for now, the team still has the services of #10. Of course, two of their defensemen are starting the season injured, but they should be able to absorb that, as well.
Here's what we're guessing (thanks to tips from others) the lines will look like on Saturday:
Forwards
Veilleux - Sheppard - Gaborik
This line clicked in Montreal last Saturday. Sheppard's got some skills that work well with both wingers, Gaby can be the offensive focal point, and Steph can play the gritty offense he's known for, digging pucks out of the corners and harassing the goaltender.
Brunette - Koivu - Bouchard
This could be a big offensive line for the Wild, and we think pairing Bouchard with Brunette might be able to rekindle some of that spark from the '03 campaign. Watch for Koivu to continue his progress to being a terrific two-way center.
Nolan - Belanger - Miettinnen
We admit, we differ from some sources on this line and the one prior to it. We just think that putting these three together allows the Wild to have a line that's got offensive potential, but also the grit and tenacity to make things happen that shouldn't. Nolan and Miettinnen both have good skills in the offensive zone. It remains to be seen if Belanger can find his groove from the beginning of last season.
Gillies - Pouliot - Weller
A young line, but a tough line. We could also see Gillies and Miettinnen swapped during the season, if the Wild are looking for a little more experience to guide the rookie in his first campaign.
Healthy Scratch - Derek Boogaard
While the Boogeyman is a force on the ice, he doesn't provide much offensively, and the Wild are going to need offense to keep up with Boston. The Bruins have a stronger team, especially with the return of Patrice Bergeron, but they aren't the Bruins of old, who would bruise people into submission. We expect Boogaard to not play game one, but could be wrong.
Defensive pairings
Johnsson - Burns
The teams top two defensemen. Both are steady in their own zone, and both can provide a spark of offense when needed. Plus, Burns brings a youthful exuberance to the ice.
Skoula - Bergeron
Martin Skoula has drawn the ire of Wild fans over the years. Will pairing him with Marc-Andre Bergeron and his booming shot help?
Schultz - Reitz
If Reitz can play strongly in this first game, he should be able to have a good shot at staying in the line-up. If not, he might be the first one removed when Zidlicky returns from his ankle injury.
Healthy Scratch - Tomas Mojzis
Mojzis was impressive in training camp. He could easily take Reitz's spot in the line-up, but we think Lemaire is going to go with Reitz against Boston.
IR - Foster, Scott, Zidlicky
Two injured ankles, and we know what happened to Foster last year against the boards. When these guys are healthy, the entire defense (aside from Burns and Johnsson) could be scrambled, and that could spark a Wild team that's got some tough times ahead of it if it wants to repeat as division champs.
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