Wilderness Walk: Skol

The biggest news of the night was that the Vikings beat the Saints in the last few seconds of the game and are now heading to the NFC title game.

Unfortunately, the Minnesota Wild also played, and only managed a point from their bout with the Vancouver Canucks.

Wild News

Brandon Sutter’s overtime goal sends Wild into five-day break with a loss | Star Tribune

“Vancouver and the Wild traded third period goals before Brandon Sutter won it in OT.”

After miracle across the river, Wild fall 3-2 to Canucks in overtime | Pioneer Press

While many Minnesota sports fans were still distracted by the Vikings’ win, the Wild seemed distracted in their own right.

1/14 RECAP: Wild Fall to Canucks in OT, 3-2 | Zone Coverage

“Talk about leaving a bitter taste in your mouth as the Wild players head into the bye week.”

Wild notes: Burnsville’s Brock Boeser becoming fixture as Canucks rookie | Star Tribune

“Rookie Brock Boeser has already reached the 50-game plateau in the NHL, emerging as a fixture in the Canucks lineup and the team’s most dynamic option for offense.”

Wild Thinking: Smart Decision Choosing Boudreau over Yeo? | The Hockey Writers

“The Minnesota Wild are only on coach number five. The 2017-18 season is only their 17th season in the NHL after joining in 2000-01.”

Off the Trail

An age-based look at how NHL teams use their AHL affiliates | Face Off Circle

Curious as to how NHL teams were using their AHL affiliates for player development, Jeff Veillette broke the league up into age groups and dove deep into usage numbers.

A closer look at scoring efficiency: worth using for women’s hockey? | The Ice Garden

“What is SE% and is it something we should be paying attention to?”

Olympics Officials Discuss a Potential First: A Unified Korean Hockey Team | The New York Times

“South Korea has proposed that North Korea join it in fielding a unified women’s hockey team at the Winter Olympics next month.”

The NWHL and the NHL: what can women’s hockey gain — and lose? | The Ice Garden

“While recent partnerships with NHL teams have a lot of promise, there’s a downside to involving men’s hockey with women’s hockey’s interests.”

What Should the Edmonton Oilers Do Next? | The Hockey Writers

While it may be pretty obvious to the rest of the league, the longer McDavid is out of the playoffs, the better everyone else’s chances are. So, nobody give them any hints.

Hedman’s Injury Stifling Lightning | The Hockey Writers

“A major part of why the Tampa Bay Lightning have played so well this season is their continuously improving defense.”

Horrific incident for Canadiens’ Danault ‘takes air out of’ game vs. Bruins | Sportsnet

“What do you do when the man with the NHL’s hardest shot winds up for a one-timer and you’re standing helplessly in its path, just 10 feet away? You brace yourself and hope for the best.”

Flames’ Giordano ejected for head shot on Hurricanes’ Aho | Yahoo Sports

“Mark Giordano has never been suspended during his 718-game NHL career, but that might change after his hit on Sunday.”

WHL Trade Deadline: Winners & Losers | The Hockey Writers

“For once, the Western Hockey League trade deadline delivered some blockbusters to rival all the insanity out east.”