Article: The Wild's Top Line Needs To Do More Defensively

[Justin Wiggins]

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[Luke Sims]

What's it going to take to light the fire? This is the National Hockey League. There is no excuse for not trying. 

[FredJohnson]

5 hours ago, Luke Sims said:

What's it going to take to light the fire? This is the National Hockey League. There is no excuse for not trying. 

Phyre Deano.

[Protec]

Top guys need to be top guys all around. Not one-faceted offense only players who float, fail to pickup their guy, or coast when they think it's okay. That's why I like Dewar's style. If he get's out-muscled a bit by Dubois for a greasy goal, I can understand it wasn't the effort.

Sometimes, you see guys behave like "oh well, defense isn't my specialty." That's unacceptable. Make the opponent beat you, don't concede an inch. That's one reason why the Wild can't win in the playoffs.

[mnfaninnc]

The Wild have been very good in recent years of playing a good team game. The forwards come back to help defend and the defense pinches up to help the offense. This modified positionless style has help the club overachieve and make the playoffs.

However, when some don't do what they are supposed to do, it makes everyone look bad. Well, we have defenders who aren't particularly good, so if the forwards don't help back, we look like idiots.

To this point, there are a couple of stats which make a lot of sense to me. Net HDSC and net XGs. 

Against the most recent opponent of the Blue Jackets, we gave up a ton of HDSC chances and had very little ourselves. But, we also gave up 53 SOGs on our home ice from a team playing the back half of a b2b. 

This is not explained away by us missing Boldy and Spurgeon. This is explained away through a lack of effort by the whole team. Next game is Tuesday. If I were Evason, there would be 2 very spirited mandatory practices today and tomorrow to drive home the point that you will give an effort every shift. 

We have had a very good track record of winning the games we are supposed to win. This was one of those games where we escaped with a point. Personally, I'd probably give Marcus Johansson a pass if one could be excluded, but ALL players from last night should be in this together.

We were very lucky to get a point out of this game, and Goose2 stood on his head for most of the game holding us in there. 

Now I'll address the Addison situation. First, offensively, I like that he has decided to shoot more. He has to do that to open up passing lanes, and most have figured out that Addison tends to pass way more. Defenses need to play him straight up for him to be effective, so making them respect the shot is important.

But, on defense, he is a liability. When Jenner tossed him down, that is a summary play of Addison defensively. He has to gain more strength, quite simply, many plays he gets outmuscled on. It's no wonder he doesn't usually initiate contact, he usually gets abused in that situation. It also appears obvious to me that while Rossi took the gym seriously this offseason, Addison did not. His stick isn't particularly good, and his own end IQ is probably worse. This season, in this small sample size, goalies have bailed him out to keep his "stats" respectable. 

In 4 games, Merrill simply cannot keep up. He needs to be sent down. At this point, I'd probably keep Mermis up and send Merrill down for Hunt or Lambos. But even then, Hunt and Lambos haven't looked rock solid in Iowa this season. 

Shooter tried to buy enough time so as to not block the defensive cavalry. However, we are nearing the "break in case of emergency" part of the defense where they may need to learn on the fly. I think Shooter just missed the window by about 6 months. To me Goligoski and Merrill look like toast.

[Up North Guy]

17 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

The Wild have been very good in recent years of playing a good team game. The forwards come back to help defend and the defense pinches up to help the offense. This modified positionless style has help the club overachieve and make the playoffs.

However, when some don't do what they are supposed to do, it makes everyone look bad. Well, we have defenders who aren't particularly good, so if the forwards don't help back, we look like idiots.

To this point, there are a couple of stats which make a lot of sense to me. Net HDSC and net XGs. 

Against the most recent opponent of the Blue Jackets, we gave up a ton of HDSC chances and had very little ourselves. But, we also gave up 53 SOGs on our home ice from a team playing the back half of a b2b. 

This is not explained away by us missing Boldy and Spurgeon. This is explained away through a lack of effort by the whole team. Next game is Tuesday. If I were Evason, there would be 2 very spirited mandatory practices today and tomorrow to drive home the point that you will give an effort every shift. 

We have had a very good track record of winning the games we are supposed to win. This was one of those games where we escaped with a point. Personally, I'd probably give Marcus Johansson a pass if one could be excluded, but ALL players from last night should be in this together.

We were very lucky to get a point out of this game, and Goose2 stood on his head for most of the game holding us in there. 

Now I'll address the Addison situation. First, offensively, I like that he has decided to shoot more. He has to do that to open up passing lanes, and most have figured out that Addison tends to pass way more. Defenses need to play him straight up for him to be effective, so making them respect the shot is important.

But, on defense, he is a liability. When Jenner tossed him down, that is a summary play of Addison defensively. He has to gain more strength, quite simply, many plays he gets outmuscled on. It's no wonder he doesn't usually initiate contact, he usually gets abused in that situation. It also appears obvious to me that while Rossi took the gym seriously this offseason, Addison did not. His stick isn't particularly good, and his own end IQ is probably worse. This season, in this small sample size, goalies have bailed him out to keep his "stats" respectable. 

In 4 games, Merrill simply cannot keep up. He needs to be sent down. At this point, I'd probably keep Mermis up and send Merrill down for Hunt or Lambos. But even then, Hunt and Lambos haven't looked rock solid in Iowa this season. 

Shooter tried to buy enough time so as to not block the defensive cavalry. However, we are nearing the "break in case of emergency" part of the defense where they may need to learn on the fly. I think Shooter just missed the window by about 6 months. To me Goligoski and Merrill look like toast.

Addison got rag dolled by Jenner. He had the leverage and speed on Jenner. Jenner isn't small but he isn't overly big either. He made Addy look like a bantam. Mermis was ok. Not great but not horrible-bad. I think Shooter needs to be burning up the trade talk. Doesn't Ottawa have a young defenseman that they need to get rid of because they can't afford to sign him? 

[Dean]

My guess is if guys were on expiring contracts they might try harder and pay more attention to details so they get that next deal. Job security doesn’t seem to motivate these guys. 
   I think the only change that this team could make due to all the money tied up in ntc contracts is a coaching change . It’s the only thing that could possibly make a difference an improve this team. . Hold players accountable!!  Torts has Philly playing way above their pay grade. 

[Protec]

44 minutes ago, Dean said:

My guess is if guys were on expiring contracts they might try harder and pay more attention to details so they get that next deal. Job security doesn’t seem to motivate these guys. 
   I think the only change that this team could make due to all the money tied up in ntc contracts is a coaching change . It’s the only thing that could possibly make a difference an improve this team. . Hold players accountable!!  Torts has Philly playing way above their pay grade. 

I've heard of Dean being a players coach and days off during the season to recover, etc. Okay in theory. How do you contrast the difference though between Philly and MN? 

I'm not sure I'd love playing for Tortorella but he's won a Cup and has been deep into the playoffs. He's not going to be soft on anybody and maybe that's a good thing. I'd say the Wild are halfway through my grace period and I'm not impressed so far. Same problems with the draws, PP, and now showing up to play hockey. 

I dunno, not looking too good. Maybe they're gonna try to tank this year finally. 

[Sviginak]

If you keep it up, boys, we are going to have a top five pick! And he will be taking one of your jobs!! I’m just sayin’.

[mnfaninnc]

1 hour ago, Dean said:

I think the only change that this team could make due to all the money tied up in ntc contracts is a coaching change . It’s the only thing that could possibly make a difference an improve this team.

Dean, it's a 2 part process, who've you got for the 2nd part: the replacement coach?

[mnfaninnc]

2 hours ago, Up North Guy said:

Doesn't Ottawa have a young defenseman that they need to get rid of because they can't afford to sign him? 

I think it was Shane Pinto, but isn't he a forward?

[Dean]

I don’t have a specific coach to change to. That’s for Billy the gm. My point is you can’t change players because of contracts. So if the wild are not playing well your only option is the coach.  This team under Jacques lemaire wouldn’t have issues with compete level.  So go find a Jacques to coach. Enough babying these guys. Tough love .  You’re paid millions and live a good life. Show up for the start of the game. Dean an his system only get you to playoffs then  things get tough and players disappear. While the gm and coach make excuses. If this team is really about winning a cup then a coaching change might be your only option . 
     A new set of eyes and system might be what this team needs. Just get a coach that demands a high level of compete. That’s my point with Philly. They are rebuilding and have every excuse to not put in the effort but they do for coach and their new management. 
     I can be a fan of bad players trying hard to become better. I can’t be a fan of laziness. When I figure out a coach. I’ll let ya know. 

[Mateo3xm]

50 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

I think it was Shane Pinto, but isn't he a forward?

They are actually trying to get rid of Erik Brännström to keep Pinto.

just read that. 
problem is E. Brannstrom is 5’10 and we don’t need another one of those.

[Mateo3xm]

3 hours ago, Up North Guy said:

Addison got rag dolled by Jenner. He had the leverage and speed on Jenner. Jenner isn't small but he isn't overly big either. He made Addy look like a bantam. Mermis was ok. Not great but not horrible-bad. I think Shooter needs to be burning up the trade talk. Doesn't Ottawa have a young defenseman that they need to get rid of because they can't afford to sign him? 

One of the guys they are trying to get rid of is Erik Brännström to keep Pinto.

problem is he’s 5’10..

we don’t need another 5’10 defender.

[Dean]

Tanking would be nice if we had those expiring contracts to trade away.  Those guys could circle back in summer and sign .  If we would have tried to make playoffs and didn’t . Then trade those guys. I’d be great with that. However  we handcuffed ourselves so if they don’t make playoffs. What a waste of a season. 

[Up North Guy]

1 hour ago, mnfaninnc said:

I think it was Shane Pinto, but isn't he a forward?

I thought he was a defenseman. Oh well

[Been There Done That]

3 hours ago, Dean said:

My guess is if guys were on expiring contracts they might try harder and pay more attention to details so they get that next deal. Job security doesn’t seem to motivate these guys. 
   I think the only change that this team could make due to all the money tied up in ntc contracts is a coaching change . It’s the only thing that could possibly make a difference an improve this team. . Hold players accountable!!  Torts has Philly playing way above their pay grade. 

Exactamundo!! This is on BG for jumping the gun on extending these duds and not making them earn it. I guess only the younger, faster, skilled guys need to earn it. Not BGs tired old buddies. Ugh! Oh well. Go Wild!

[Protec]

Guerin could learn a lesson on these deals but I've seen Hartman, Foligno, and Zucci doing good this year. It's still pretty early but the Wild won't beat Vegas currently that's for sure.

I think Bill needs to let that sink in. He's got work to do. Chemistry is great, and PR vids are fun. Winning is what it's Eff'n about though...

[M_Nels]

IMO it's time to split up Zucc & KK97 again. They are in the cute, east-west, overpassing, forcing stage again.

Everytime that line is on the ice it's too predictable and other teams are just shutting it down and it's leading to turnovers and rushes going back the other way.

I know the 3rd line has chemistry and they don't want to mess with that so my solution at this point would be just swapping Mojo for Zucc. Mojo drives north and south and can enter the zone better than just about anyone on the team. Get in the zone, get deep and get the cycle going to open up chances instead of forcing passes across at the top of the circles. 

[IllicitFive]

1 hour ago, M_Nels said:

IMO it's time to split up Zucc & KK97 again. They are in the cute, east-west, overpassing, forcing stage again.

Everytime that line is on the ice it's too predictable and other teams are just shutting it down and it's leading to turnovers and rushes going back the other way.

I know the 3rd line has chemistry and they don't want to mess with that so my solution at this point would be just swapping Mojo for Zucc. Mojo drives north and south and can enter the zone better than just about anyone on the team. Get in the zone, get deep and get the cycle going to open up chances instead of forcing passes across at the top of the circles. 

It may be a bit of a jump but someone like Duhaime moving up and taking over for Zucc could be interesting. Drives play, physical, decent shot. Him Hartmann and Kap could be fun, open up room, and be very tiring to play against. I just don't know where you put Zuccarello at that point, line for while Boldy is out?

[mnfaninnc]

38 minutes ago, IllicitFive said:

It may be a bit of a jump but someone like Duhaime moving up and taking over for Zucc could be interesting. Drives play, physical, decent shot. Him Hartmann and Kap could be fun, open up room, and be very tiring to play against. I just don't know where you put Zuccarello at that point, line for while Boldy is out?

Personally, I really like Duhaime as a player, but I don't think that putting him with Hartman and Kaprizov will have chemistry. Zuccarello is an excellent playmaker, I'd think you'd need the 3rd piece here to be a playmaker. Duhaime is not a setup guy, he's a straight north south skater with speed who finishes. He doesn't really have the vision like a Zuccarello does. Now Rossi fits that mold and so does Boldy. I'd think that Yurov probably does too.

[raithis]

11 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

Personally, I really like Duhaime as a player, but I don't think that putting him with Hartman and Kaprizov will have chemistry. Zuccarello is an excellent playmaker, I'd think you'd need the 3rd piece here to be a playmaker. Duhaime is not a setup guy, he's a straight north south skater with speed who finishes. He doesn't really have the vision like a Zuccarello does. Now Rossi fits that mold and so does Boldy. I'd think that Yurov probably does too.

Agreed on splitting up Kaprizov and Zuccarello.  Even last year, they had a ton of turnovers and passed up shots because they try so hard to get it to each other rather than utilizing all the other players on the ice.  Occasionally it's an amazing play and we look the other way for a while because of it, but it's too much to the detriment of the game itself.

Also agreed that Duhaime is not the answer.  Occasionally he surprises me, but out of the two Deweys, I'd take Dewar over Duhaime any day.

I think the solution to fixing the top line this year is making it a line of Kaprizov, Eriksson Ek, and Boldy (once he's ready to come back).  Kaprizov and Boldy are both great passers and both have great shots.  They also both drive and control play really well.  Eriksson Ek does all the little things and is a much better defender than Hartman.  He's also much better at screening the goalie.  Two good shooters who can pass while Ek is in the way?  I see this as only a good thing.  It also adds some size and strength to that line.

I'd then make the second line Foligno, Rossi, and Zuccarello.  I've liked Foligno and Rossi playing together more than I thought I would at the start of the season.  Putting both Rossi and Zuccarello on the same line seems like a bad idea because of their size, but Rossi has shown he will get in the dirty areas and get control of the puck when need be.  Plus, I feel like Foligno helps balance that out.  Rossi needs a more offensively-gifted linemate than Gaudreau and I think that Zuccarello could provide that.  Johansson is a thought here too.

On third, I'd put Johansson, Hartman, and Maroon.  Johansson does pretty good at driving plays and Maroon has played pretty well overall.  Hartman fits better down the line-up.  I'm not sold on him being on such an offensive line.  At times he's just kind of invisible, though that's partly to blame for Kaprizov and Zuccarello forgetting at times that they have teammates.  Plus, I just think that Johansson and Hartman complement each other.

Lastly, I'd put Duhaime, Dewar, and Gaudreau on the fourth line.  I like Dewar's tenacity a lot.  He goes under the radar a lot, but like Shaw, the guy just plays his heart out every night.  I see Gaudreau on the line giving both Duhaime and Dewar more opportunity to take a few more chances a game on knocking some pucks free for breakaways.  They've both shown that they can outhustle their opponents and make the other team pay.  Maroon is a little too slow to cover enough ground if one of them tries to jump on something and misses.  That, and I'm kind of sick of how many overturns goals the Wild had because of Gaudreau last season.  I like him as a player, but I just prefer him in a more defensive role.