Article: Minnesota's Forwards Must Carry the Defense In the Short-Term

[Justin Wiggins]

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[Citizen Strife]

Well, Kap, Rossi, Boldy, Faber, Zucc, and others all got involved yesterday.  It always helps when opposing players get involved in the defense too.

Also, someone figure out what cat play pen Fleury practices in.  He just rolls around like a ball, or jumps in the air, or stretches out like Gumby, even in his 40s.  Even the Philly shooter couldn't help but laugh that Fleury got that.

[Justin Wiggins]

20 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

Well, Kap, Rossi, Boldy, Faber, Zucc, and others all got involved yesterday.  It always helps when opposing players get involved in the defense too.

Also, someone figure out what cat play pen Fleury practices in.  He just rolls around like a ball, or jumps in the air, or stretches out like Gumby, even in his 40s.  Even the Philly shooter couldn't help but laugh that Fleury got that.

As a former goalie myself, even at 33 my hamstrings HURT when watching Flower make all those acrobatic saves

[mnfaninnc]

I would agree that Merrill and Bogosian chip out a lot, even though Bogosian's got some sneaky hands. However, Dermott is supposed to be a guy who makes a good 1st pass. Pairing him with Bogosian might make them just a touch more offensive. 

I'm thinking they'll stick with predominantly the same lineup today, and allow Dermott to have a couple of practices before debuting. 

Also, a little blip in Iowa Wild news from yesterday, The Wall has been recalled. I have to wonder if Goose tweaked something?  

[mnfaninnc]

From another source, it looks like Grapes has been put on IR and The Wall recalled in his spot. Maybe he's just up to practice with the team, or maybe he needs to make a spot start while Goose rests something? I don't exactly know as I have no recording device near the cone of silence.

In other news, it appears that the Ottawa Senators are talking to other teams. Josh Norris is the guy they appear to be dangling. Batherson and Chabot are other guys being heard. Very silent on the Tkachuk front. 

Swapping out Norris makes way more sense if they're trying to shake things up. The trouble they have is he's in the $7s and if you can get him, why not get a better player in the upper $8s?  My guess here is that most teams may call, lightly discuss Norris (who is a center), and move to "what about Brady?"

I'd have to say Staios probably redirects the conversation, and may mention Batherson or Chabot, but hangs up when they insist on talking about Brady. Most teams do not have the cap space to take on $7+m, and Staios is looking for talent for talent. I'm pretty sure he is also overvaluing Norris as most GMs do with their own players. Batherson is the reasonably priced player in the $4s, I'm betting this is the guy who's moved to shake things up. I don't believe it will be for futures, I think Ottawa is in win now mode.

[Citizen Strife]

A PPG winger like Batherson would potentially fit the needs up front if they aren't budging on Tkachuk.  It would take way less money, and be something the Wild "might" be able to afford without too much screwing around.  The question if you'd both look for Batherson or Tkachuk, what would they want in return?  Brodin's contract would definitely be a discussion starter ($6m).  The question is would they trust Buium enough to dump Brodin for better offensive balance up front.  Nelson while older, still seems more likely the target though.

The Wild don't have many more 1sts to give either, so that won't be so easy to dangle.

Edited December 15, 2024 by Citizen Strife

[Citizen Strife]

Also, if they ask about Norris, just hang up.  The team doesn't need more injury prone players.

[mnfaninnc]

I got blacked out last night, how did the eye test look?

[Pewterschmidt]

1 minute ago, mnfaninnc said:

I got blacked out last night, how did the eye test look?

97 and whoever he’s with that night can hold their own against VGK, LA, WPG, EDM, DAL and all the rest of the bottom feeders (ANA, CHI, SJS, etc).  It’s the other three lines that are still not ready to carry the load against playoff teams.  97 is making everyone look smart this year.  

[Sam]

13 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

I got blacked out last night, how did the eye test look?

Maybe you shouldn’t drink so much.

[mnfaninnc]

For those looking at Yurov's stats and wondering why they haven't changed, the K has had at least a week off. They start play again tomorrow. 

Ryder Ritchie has gotten hot and is almost back up to a PPG player. 

Baby Wild are in a haphazard scheduling area with a lot of time off. Get to the gym, boys, you need to build up those bodies!!!!

[Up North Guy]

23 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

I got blacked out last night, how did the eye test look?

I thought Wally looked pretty good. He seemed to be in control and I never saw any panic. The rest of the team is looking like they are playing short handed (which they are). Their depth is over stressed. 

[Citizen Strife]

It"s a repeat of last year, just with less drastic swings.  Kaprizov is elevating his game to insane levels.  Zuccarello and he have this crazy mind meld that carries the offense.  The concern with the offense is unless the teams they play are middling or putrid, anyone behind Rossi, Boldy, and Faber don't score much.

I think the disappointing one for me is Hartman.  He usually goes on heaters when placed up in the lineup, but only has .27 PPG.  Even lower than last year.  Anyone looking for Khus to do it (ODC), forget it.  He's at .11.

The game was still close, but the top 5 can't be world beaters.  The defense and goalies have to be.  This was the reality of the team as constructed.  Defensive high, or die trying.

 

Edited December 16, 2024 by Citizen Strife

[Pewterschmidt]

55 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

It"s a repeat of last year, just with less drastic swings.  Kaprizov is elevating his game to insane levels.  Zuccarello and he have this crazy mind meld that carries the offense.  The concern with the offense is unless the teams they play are middling or putrid, anyone behind Rossi, Boldy, and Faber don't score much.

I think the disappointing one for me is Hartman.  He usually goes on heaters when placed up in the lineup, but only has .27 PPG.  Even lower than last year.  Anyone looking for Khus to do it (ODC), forget it.  He's at .11.

The game was still close, but the top 5 can't be world beaters.  The defense and goalies have to be.  This was the reality of the team as constructed.  Defensive high, or die trying.

 

I was hoping to see more flashes from kuz by now.  Oh well he’s still young, and no one is beating him out for 4th C.  

[Will D. Ness]

44 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

I was hoping to see more flashes from kuz by now.  Oh well he’s still young, and no one is beating him out for 4th C.  

He flashes all the time IMO.  He just needs a little more help than career AHL'ers are giving.

[mnfaninnc]

2 hours ago, Up North Guy said:

I thought Wally looked pretty good.

The Wall started???

This development means I will have to watch when it becomes available. 

Edited December 16, 2024 by mnfaninnc

[Pewterschmidt]

6 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

The Wall started???

This development means I will have to watch when it becomes available. 

I think Gus tweaked something and Fleury played the night before.  We'll see if this is a trend for Wall-E

[Citizen Strife]

Both Lauko and Khus aren't scoring despite their speed and chemistry, so they are probably what they are gonna be.  Helpful in other ways.

[Up North Guy]

29 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

Both Lauko and Khus aren't scoring despite their speed and chemistry, so they are probably what they are gonna be.  Helpful in other ways.

Unfortunately Lauko is out for a while after re-injuring himself (muscle injury i think).