Article: The Wild Have Nothing To Worry About With Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek Out

[Neil Urbanski]

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[Enforceror]

I appreciate the optimism but it's still going to be a spooky stretch. 

We have 4 more games against western playoff teams and 3 more against eastern playoff teams. We'll also have 2 against the Avs which will be important games.

The Av's have 6 against western playoff teams (including 2 against MN) and 3 against eastern playoff teams. 

Seems like a pretty even schedule. 

 

 

[Imyourhuckleberry]

Quote

The Athletic’s player cards show Johannson in the 78th percentile defensively among forwards, enough to elevate his market value to $3 million.

I have no idea how they come to that conclusion. Johansson does not show good instincts on defense, doesn't hit much or possess a strong stick, and he is well below his linemates in +/-. His offense is 30th percentile, so they are basing his "value" on strong defense, but if he were that strong defensively, wouldn't they consider playing him short-handed given his speed?

I can only assume his defensive value is propped up significantly by routinely playing on lines with strong defense behind him and some of the best 2-way players the Wild have to offer(JEE is 90% and Boldy 83% in the Player Cards on defense--those guys also block shots and pass the eye test).

[M_Nels]

5 minutes ago, Enforceror said:

I appreciate the optimism but it's still going to be a spooky stretch. 

We have 4 more games against western playoff teams and 3 more against eastern playoff teams. We'll also have 2 against the Avs which will be important games.

The Av's have 6 against western playoff teams (including 2 against MN) and 3 against eastern playoff teams. 

Seems like a pretty even schedule. 

 

 

I think the Wild still make it to the dance but the Avs games are going to be huge for the standings. Don't like our chances against the Jets or VGK but honestly if we can sneak in at 3rd in the Central and play Dallas on the road I like that matchup better.

[M_Nels]

Sorry, won't let me edit but barring a monumental collapse the Jets will likely keep #1 seed, I see VGK holding onto their #1 spot also. Although an Oilers matchup wouldn't be the worst thing in the world either if they take over P1 and the Wild fall to WC1.

[Enforceror]

4 minutes ago, M_Nels said:

Sorry, won't let me edit but barring a monumental collapse the Jets will likely keep #1 seed, I see VGK holding onto their #1 spot also. Although an Oilers matchup wouldn't be the worst thing in the world either if they take over P1 and the Wild fall to WC1.

The Kings only have 55gp vs 58 for both VGK and EDM and are 6 pts back from 1st place. Tight race in the West. 

[Protec]

NoJo sucks. There is very little he does that we couldn't replace with Knudi or Ogie. 

NoJo routinely misses good chances and gives up the puck. He gets hurt on super-wimpy glancing-elbows but manages to get back into the lineup for a 2nd line role. Just the kind of player you want in the playoffs... 😐

[Enforceror]

6 minutes ago, Protec said:

NoJo sucks. There is very little he does that we couldn't replace with Knudi or Ogie. 

NoJo routinely misses good chances and gives up the puck. He gets hurt on super-wimpy glancing-elbows but manages to get back into the lineup for a 2nd line role. Just the kind of player you want in the playoffs... 😐

[hockey_fan_87]

I am not sure how NoJo stays in the top 6.  He is supper soft on the forecheck, in the neutral zone and on defense.  At least recently, he will rarely block a shot, and he will never play the body... on purpose anyway, occasionally he will fall and take somebody out.  Whatever line he is on is playing short handed most of the game.  Maybe two or three shifts a game he adds some value, but then quickly gives it away on the next shift.  Does he have dirt on the head coach or GM, why is he on the ice?  His is the only injury that benefited the team.

[M_Nels]

14 minutes ago, hockey_fan_87 said:

I am not sure how NoJo stays in the top 6.  He is supper soft on the forecheck, in the neutral zone and on defense.  At least recently, he will rarely block a shot, and he will never play the body... on purpose anyway, occasionally he will fall and take somebody out.  Whatever line he is on is playing short handed most of the game.  Maybe two or three shifts a game he adds some value, but then quickly gives it away on the next shift.  Does he have dirt on the head coach or GM, why is he on the ice?  His is the only injury that benefited the team.

It’s like his controller disconnects the second he crosses either blue line. He’s good through the neutral zone and can enter the zone well but then the controller immediately disconnects. 

[Thatoneguy]

There is nothing about nojo that's worth 3 million. I will never understand how he has been stapled to the 2nd line LW position for 2 years. He should have a permanent seat in the press box.