2006-10-24 14:49:41 · 12 answers · asked by Ryan 2 in Sports ➔ Hockey
I think the Wild have a good shot at going far in the Western Conference. The one fly in the ointment is the health of Marian Gaborik -- he's out for a couple of weeks with what's being termed a "minor groin pull." That scares me, because in the "new" NHL, minor groin pulls can turn into more than just a couple of weeks.
I don't agree with some of the other posters -- I think Minnesota is rock-solid in net with Manny Fernandez, and under coach Jacques Lemaire's defensive-oriented style, he's always going to have a lot of help in front. The Wild have lots of good, young players, and they went out this year and got strong help via free agency -- Pavol Demitra will keep Gaborik supplied with great passes, plus he's a fellow Slovakian and Gabby's best friend. That can't hurt. And Mark Parrish adds scoring balance.
I think this could be the Wild's year!
2006-10-24 15:21:13 · answer #1 · answered by Tom A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yea they got some more fire power and their coach is actually trying an approach that is a bit more interesting than watching paint dry, but in the end I still don't think this team has the depth to win the cup, possibly to get deep into the playoffs which they have already done once. Goaltending will be an issue down the stretch more than likely as Fernandez is not exclusively talented and their offense is wishy washy at times. They may have started this season off in a stunning fashion but I highly doubt they keep it up.
2006-10-25 13:36:27 · answer #2 · answered by goaliej87 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's been with the Wild the way it's been with the Sabres. These are skating teams with mobile D, good special teams, and the players are discplined, i.e. no unnecessary penalties. Plus both teams have been getting good goaltending.
The Wild's problem has always been getting goals. Two seasons ago, Alexandre Daigle (!!!!) led the team in goals (with 20). Such were the problems they'd had. Right now they're getting more. They don't have the depth on the forward lines that Buffalo has. Plus they're in a tough division in the tougher conference. But If the scoring keeps up, they'll make a good run at the playoffs.
2006-10-24 22:47:43 · answer #3 · answered by Ilmari_Karjalainen 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Anyone who follows hockey closely could have seen this one. Last year, they kept losing games by one goal. Like a ridiculous amount. So really they just needed to get a tad better. And instead they got Demitra, Nummelin and Johnsson. This puts a solid line of defense in front of the superb goal-tending by Fernandez. Demitra also gives Minnesota a guy who can get the puck to Gaborik, when he needs it, and someone who can take pressure off the wickedly crafty Rolston. So far Gaborik has also been a lot healthier than last year. All these things add up to more than a goal a game. Throw in Bouchard being moved to winger, which is a much better fit, and you have a club who was racing Buffalo for the longest undefeated streak to start off the season.
2006-10-24 23:23:58 · answer #4 · answered by manicjustice 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm lovin it! I completely disagree with what that first girl said, I think they'll be able to hold on to this lead for the whole season but if they don't they are for sure gonna be in the playoffs. That team is doing amazing and they don't even look the same as they used too. They're much faster and skilled now! Go WILD!
2006-10-24 22:34:36 · answer #5 · answered by ckm44 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i dont exactally call it stunning. That are just hot right now. Every team has a time in the season when things start to click. One the season gets going we'll see how they do. But right now you are abusing the definaton of stunning.
2006-10-25 16:37:20 · answer #6 · answered by The Cleveland Indians 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Minn is a team that many people seem to be overlooking.... - the "darkhorse of hockey."
I attribute much of their EARLY success to Manny who is playing excellent and Marian Gaborik and Brian Rolston who are stepping up to the plate AGAIN this year.
The only weaknesses I see on this team is Branko Radivojevic, Mattias Weinhandl and Stephane Veilleu. - But if theses guys step up they'll be a major threat all year and in the playoffs.
2006-10-24 22:02:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
if the goaltending and defense holds up, they could make the conference semifinals in the 100 pt needed to make the playoffs Western Conference. Its a long season and they are off to a great start.
2006-10-24 22:09:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think they'll end up being close to a 500 team. Check out how many of there wins were close games or overtime/shootout wins. Luck has just been swinging there way. Now Buffalo is something to talk about.
2006-10-24 23:03:17 · answer #9 · answered by Ryan B 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They've always been an underrated team. I think it's great they are doing well, I think they will do well all season. They'll make the playoffs but I don't think they will make it to the final.
2006-10-24 22:05:55 · answer #10 · answered by lidstromnumber1fan 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋