The Minnesota Wild are Unbeaten! ......at home. They are 0-5 on the road. So needless to say last night's 3-2 shootout win was big for Minnesota. It wouldn't have happened if not for the heroics of newly named captain Mikko Koivu. Koivu assisted on the game's first goal, scored the tying goal and also the only goal in the shootout. Some thoughts and links to articles on the game.
- You're not going to find very honest insight on Wild players unfortunately by the Wild TV announcers, but Chuck Kobasew didn't have the kind of game you'd hope to have in your first with a new team. Yes, he drew a penalty and showed that he is willing to work hard. Just so you're aware, other teams in the NHL have players that work hard. In fact, it's just part of the job and shouldn't such a big deal. Kobasew was not good in the Wild zone. He didn't always clear the zone in critical times, let his defensive point man get open numerous times and while skating the puck lackadaisically got nailed twice. He was a -2 meaning he was out there for every one of their goals and with the Wild's two goals being power plays even if he were on the ice it doesn't improve your plus/minus. The Wild needs more from him.
- Not to be too negative, but just because Brent Burns scored on the power play and hit the pipe on another opportunity don't chalk him up with a good game. He can play better. He had two opportunites to clear the zone on Colorado's go-ahead goal. Once he muffed the flip and his second attempt was a silly back hand pass in traffic when the right play was to bank it off the boards and out. He did rush the puck well and played better than he did on the road trip.
- Benoit Pouliot is a -3 this season, but it's incredible how much better he is playing this year than years past. Is it the opportunity? The coaching staff? Is he getting older and more mature? Most likely it is all of the above.
- James Sheppard is a Pulse favorite because of his strength and potential, but one thing is getting frustrating is that he gets way too few shots for how much puck possession he gets in the offensive zone. He gets to complacent skating around the outside and looking for the perfect pass. He has only 11 shots in only eight games. Also, he (other Wild forward are also guilty of this) never skates full speed once he gets the puck and puts pressure on the opposing defense. Watch other NHL teams and how they enter the zone on a rush. Sure, sometimes they slow it down to see if a third or fourth teammate can enter the rush, but a lot of times the player with the puck will skate hard and drive to the net putting more pressure on the defense.
- Star Tribune Game Story HERE
- Pioneer Press Game Story HERE
- Cal Clutterbuck return from injury Story HERE
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