Wilderness Walk: Full to the Brim Edition

Wilderness, we are deep in the playoffs now. It's looking very much like the Rangers will have their shot at the cup. The Kings and Hawks are in a much closer series... oh wait, they're both 3-1. So right now, odds are good that the SC-Finals will be Rangers v Kings. BUT, it's the playoffs, anything can happen.

What's more, there's a ton of goings-on in the league. See the Walk for all the details.

Wild News:

State of Hockey News: Minnesota Wild 2013-14 Autopsy- Great article, much like our end-of-season grades. Read it!

Gone Puck Wild: Wild's Erik Haula, Finland Fall 5-2 to Russia- Not new news, but a great read nonetheless.

Hockey Wilderness: Podcast Episode 9- Some great discussion by the bigwigs here at HW. Give it a listen!

Minnesota Hockey Mag: No One-Hit Wonder, Mix of Youngsters and Veteran's Set the Stage for Future Cup Runs- Do you feel bad that the Wild aren't still "in the hunt"? Read this.

The Hockey Writers: Déjà Koivu; Assessing Mikko Koivu's Postseason Performance- The final nail in the Koffin: Koivu is a great player, and was stellar this postseason.

In the Hunt:

Second City Hockey: Kings Score 3 in 1st, Take Game 4- Second City Hockey's take on the game.

Jewels From the Crown: Kings Keep Rolling, Win Game 4- JFTC's take on the game

NHL: Kings Down Blackhawks, 1 Win From FInal- The Blakchawks continue to seem uninterested in these playoffs.

Sports Illustrated: Canadiens' Price Skates Before Practice- Promising News for the Habs, but could be too late?

The Score: Rangers Won't Rule Out Stepan for Game 5- Jaw? He don't need no stinking jaw.

Puck Daddy: Kane has been Quiet... Too Quiet- The Kings have silenced Kane for now... but will it last?

The Score: Carcillo's Suspension Appeal Hearing Set for Friday- These usually don't work, and he deserved it... so there's that.

The Hockey Writers: Therrien: The Man Behind the Bench- Some insight into Mr. Therrien

Puck Daddy: What We Learned: Why the Western Conference Final is Embarrassing the East- Yeah! See how much closer the Western Conference is! The East is 3-1 after game 4! The West is.... oh wait. In all seriousness... get ready for some serious snark here.

Off the Trail:

CBC: Friedman's Thoughts- Worth a read. Great thoughts.

Star Tribune: Capitals Hire Trotz, promote MacLellan to GM

Pro Hockey Talk: "Nothing Iminent" for Stastny- He's not 18, why would the Av's be interested?

Puck Daddy: Giguere Set to Retire- That's ok. MacKinnon will pick up the slack I'm sure.

Puck Daddy: Iconic LA Donut->Hockey Puck- Neato.

Pro Hockey Talk: Should a Team Take a Chance on Dubnyk?- Hopefully the Wild will not.

Pro Hockey Talk: Yak and Eakins Getting Along Fine- A popular name around here for a trade target for the Wild.