Boogaard On Way Out?

I am starting to get the feeling that one of my favorite Minnesota Wild players is on his way out. I don't have any proof that Derek Boogaard may of played his last game in a Minnesota Wild jersey but I feel like the writing is on the wall. Let's take a look at the facts:

1. The Minnesota Wild added tough guy Todd Fedoruk.
2. Aaron Voros has emerged as an adequate "enforcer" as well as goal scorer.
3. Derek Boogaard has been placed on the Injured Reserve after a long stay on the inactive list.
4. The NHL has placed a microscope on Derek Boogard's play and referees have been quick to penalize him.

Unfortunately, all of those things point to the greatest "Enforcer" in Minnesota Wild history losing his spot on the Wild roster. If my hunch comes true, I wouldn't want to be a "skilled" player on the Minnesota Wild. It will be open season on players like Demitra, Gaborik and Rolston without Boogaard dishing out punishment on those who take liberties with the Wild players.

Only two Wild home games left this year

Get it? This year…2007. There are only two Minnesota Wild games left in 2007. First up are the Edmonton Oilers at the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday December 29th and then to close out 2007, the San Jose Sharks are in St Paul on December 31st. The 5pm puck drop on the 31st gives Minnesota Wild fans plenty of time to ring in the new year right…a hockey game and an after party! Let’s go Wild! Need Minnesota Wild tickets? Check out local brokers like Ticket King. They have an office less than a block down from the Xcel Energy Center and have reasonable Wild ticket prices. Go Wild!

Wild lose to Detroit, but scored this time

The last time the Minnesota Wild took on the Detroit Red Wings, the Wings sent the Wild to the locker room with a big goose egg. This time, the Minnesota Wild managed to slip one puck between the pipes, but couldn’t stop the flurry of Detroit shots as the Red Wings beat the Wild 4-1 at the Xcel Energy Center. The Red Wings outshot the Wild a crazy 51-19 and completely dominated all three periods silencing the normally loud Xcel Energy Center crowd. Let’s hope the Wild fare better at their next home game vs. the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, December 29th. Go Wild!

Gaborik is Great

When Marian Gaborik is healthy, he is a fantastic hockey player. So fantastic in fact that he is breaking Minnesota Wild records! Gaborik scored a record 5 goals in a single game against the New York Rangers Thursday night. The Wild easily beat the Rangers 6-3 in front of a sold out Xcel Energy Center crowd. It is fun to watch an NHL hockey game like that and this MN Wild Freak hopes there are more games like that to come. Way to go Gaborik!

It feels good to be home

The Minnesota Wild skated into the Xcel Energy Center on a two game win streak and beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 last night to extend the streak to three. The Wild were behind most of the game, but didn’t fall into their usual give up because we are behind mentality and battled on to win in front of 18,000 plus fans. This is a good week for Minnesota Wild hockey fans as the Wild play two more home games.

• Wild vs. New York Rangers December 20th
• Wild vs. Detroit Red Wings December 22nd

Let’s go Wild!

Special Wild Ticket Offer

Hey Minnesota Wild fans, there are still great tickets available to upcoming Minnesota Wild home games from local ticket brokers like Ticket King. In fact, Ticket King is offering a special ticket offer to MN Wild Freak blog readers! If you want tickets to the Saturday December 22nd Wild vs. Red Wings game, call 612-341-4131 and ask for Cortney and tell her you want the MN Wild Freak $5 off deal and receive $5 off your Wild Tickets! Ticket King has an office just a block from the Xcel and offers free local pick-up! Go Wild!

I miss the Xcel Energy Center

Here is a picture of my favorite beer guy at the Xcel Energy Center. I can't wait to get back to the Xcel and order a beer from my buddy. I am planning on going to at least one of the games during the Wilds upcoming three game home stand vs. the Nashville Predators, New York Rangers and the Detroit Red Wings. There are still good tickets left from local ticket brokers like Ticket King, you pay more, but when you live in the state of hockey either you stand in line for days before the single game on-sale or you buy from wild ticket brokers.

Wild need another road win

The Minnesota Wild are more than half way through their longest road trip of the season and have only won one of the games. The Wild lost to Detroit 0-5 on 12/7, the Wild then fired up a victory in Columbus beating the Blue Jackets 2-1 on 12/8, but then lost again to San Jose Sharks 1-4. The Wild win one, lose one strategy is not going to make them a playoff worthy team. The next two games will be tough west coast match-ups vs. the division rival Anaheim Mighty Ducks and then the Los Angeles Kings. Let’s go Wild!

Wild get shut out in Detroit

Watching the Minnesota Wild play the Detroit Red Wings was a huge disappointment. The Red Wings thumped the Wild with a shutout on Friday night at Detroit. The Red Wings showed why they are the elite team in the NHL and the Minnesota Wild is not.

There are times when I wished Detroit and Minnesota were in the same conference for geographic travel benefits and just good old fashioned hockey rivalry traditions, but this year I am thankful we don’t play them eight times because those could be the ugliest eight games of the year…instead it’s only four times. The Wild will get a chance at revenge on their home Xcel Energy Center ice on December 22nd. Buy your Wild Red Wings tickets today as this is sure to be a super hot match-up.

Minnesota Wild vs. Detroit Red Wings

The Minnesota Wild face off against the Detroit Red Wings tonight at 7:30pm(ET) in Detroit. The Detroit Red Wings are currently leading the NHL with 40 points and are six points up on the next closest team, the Vancouver Canucks, in the Western Conference.

This game should be a good barometer on whether the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Wild fans can consider the Wild an elite team in the NHL. If the Wild can win or even just keep the game close in Detroit, I think it will show the rest of the league that the Wild is a team that will have to be reckoned with come playoff time. It is also important for Niklas Backstrom and the MN Wild to bounce back from their horrible performance Wednesday versus the Philadelphia Flyers. I know I am going to be on my couch starting at 7:30 tonight for this huge match up between the Red Wings and the Minnesota Wild in Detroit. GO WILD!!!

Minnesota Wild Lay an Egg

I thought I was lucky to be invited by a buddy to last night's Minnesota Wild game. Unfortunately, my favorite NHL team didn't show up. The Minnesota Wild put forth an extremely lackluster performance on way to a 3-1 loss at the hands of the fired up Philadelphia Flyers. It felt as though the Wild team was simply going through the motions and I have no idea how the Wild couldn't have been jacked up for this game. Another big concern is what's up with Niklas Backstrom. Every one of the goals that he let in last night were relatively soft. Especially the slap shot from the neutral zone. I hope that this was just one bad game and not a sign of bad things to come.

I was very impressed with the energized play of Aaron Voros. He brings a nasty, tough and energy filled game whenever he steps on the ice. Watching him play and having a couple of my favorite malt beverages with some buddies was the only silver lining to this otherwise disappointing NHL hockey game.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Minnesota Wild

Tonight's game between my favorite NHL team the Minnesota Wild and the Philadelphia Flyers has brought back memories of the Minnesota Wild's first ever home regular season game versus the Flyers. It is hard to believe that it was seven years ago. I was at that game and I plan on finding some Wild Tickets for tonight's game. Something about the Minnesota Wild versus the Philadelphia Flyers gets me jacked up for watching hockey. Maybe it is my memories of Bobby Clarke and the "Broad Street Bullies" or maybe it is simply the fact that they were the first ever regular season home ice opponent of the Wild. Whatever it is, I don't care, I am counting the minutes until 7:00 tonight. Please send me an email if You have any Minnesota Wild Tickets.

Wes Walz Retires

Well, less than a week since I posted my concerns over taking Wes Walz back, Walz has announced his retirement. I guess I am not overly surprised. Most Wild fans speculated that he was on leave because he wanted to retire, but that the Wild were trying to convince him to stay, perhaps using a potential Stanley Cup award as bait.

Although the Minnesota Wild are good this year, I am not sure I see Stanley Cup potential on the bench and I am sure Wes Walz agrees so he just decided to end the speculation and questions and “officially” retire. Walz was a great hockey player and a member of the original Minnesota Wild roster, he will be missed by Minnesota Wild fans and players and the NHL as a whole.

Wes Walz Where Are You?

I am afraid that it is getting to the point where Wes Walz won't be welcomed back by his fellow Minnesota Wild players even if he chooses to return. His absence has gone on too long and I wouldn't be surprised if the Minnesota Wild players have started to feel abandoned. I have no idea why he has taken an indefinite leave of absence but at some point he should explain to his teammates and the fans what is going on and when he plans on coming back. Hockey is the ultimate team game and Wes Walz was the ultimate team player since the Minnesota Wild's first year. I just hope that there hasn't been any permanent damage done to his relationship with the rest of the Minnesota Wild roster. PLEASE HURRY BACK WES WALZ!

Wild beat Colorado, look ahead to Vancouver

The Minnesota Wild beat the Colorado Avalanche at the Xcel Energy Center on Sunday night 4-1. The win should give Minnesota some much needed momentum to get ready for the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday at the X. The Wild and the Canucks have some bad blood running between them and the game is going to be huge for Wild hockey fans.

Be sure to read my SB Nation Minnesota Wild hockey site http://www.inthestateofhockey.com/ for all of your Minnesota Wild news and game reviews. Go Wild!

Wild Road Trip

The Wild are halfway through their four game divisional road trip and it doesn’t look good. The Wild lost to both the Colorado Avalanche and the Calgary Flames and still have to face the Oilers and the Canucks this week. The Wild are missing key players with Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra out with groin injuries and Wes Walz out on a personal leave to ponder retirement. Those three guys are key penalty killers for the Wild and with all three of them MIA, it’s a tough for the Wild to win on the road. The Oilers are pretty weak right now, let’s hope the Wild can come out of this road trip at .500. Let's go Wild!

next home game:
Wild vs Avalanche Sunday November 18th

Wild Should Sign Brian Rolston

I am a firm believer that the Minnesota Wild should sign Brian Rolston to a long term contract now instead of possibly losing him during the off season. He is the glue that holds the Minnesota Wild together and gives the Wild much needed veteran leadership on and off the ice. The word on the street is that the Minnesota Wild won't be able to afford both Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston. In my mind, it is a no brainer to let Demitra go while signing Rolston to a long term contract so he ends his career as a member of the Minnesota Wild. After watching him blast a slap shot past Calgary Flames goalie Kiprusoff in the first period last night I came to the conclusion that he is the Wild's most dangerous scorer. I just hope that the Minnesota Wild front office opens up their wallets and pays Brian Rolston what he deserves.

Marian Gaborik is Soft

Watching the Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins dominate the Minnesota Wild tonight made me long for a superstar that wasn't soft. I am so sick of Marian Gaborik and/or Pavol Demitra being sidelined with some lame injury. I wrote about this last year and unfortunately, the same crap is true this year. I don't know whether there is something in the water in Slovakia but Demitra and Gaborik are soft and I am sick of it. Both of them make way too much money to miss as many games as they do every year due to a "groin" injury. I wish that they would put on their "big girl" underpants and get back on the ice so we can see what this team can accomplish this year.

Remember, Last season, the Wild was 19-2-2 when Gaborik scored and 33-9-6 when he played.

Minnesota Wild dominate in NHL

It’s no secret that the Minnesota Wild are playing tremendous hockey right now. In fact the Wild are the only team in the NHL to remain undefeated in regulation play. The Wild should be leading the NHL standings with 15 points, but the Ottawa Senators are listed on top with 16 because they have one more game under their belt.

The Wild are on the road tonight against the Calgary Flames. Here is a Wild Flames Preview if you want. Be sure to check out my www.inthestateofhockey.com site for great Wild Articles – including:

Minnesota Wild Injury Report

Derek Boogaard Love Hate Article

Minnesota Wild Hockey Moms Report

Taking Notice of Minnesota Wild

It is nice to see that the rest of the country is starting to notice the Minnesota Wild and what a solid NHL team that they are. Last year, it felt like my favorite hockey team was ignored by the sports writers and everyone that doesn't live in Minnesota. Well this year, it feels like every time that I log onto ESPN or Sports Illustrated there is mention of the Minnesota Wild and their hot start. I probably shouldn't give the writers too much credit because it is hard to ignore Marion Gaborik and the rest of the NHL's only unbeaten team. I just hope that they don't get too popular because it will make it even harder to find Wild Tickets. GO WILD!!!

Wild Season Starts Off Strong

The Minnesota Wild are on a roll that’s for sure. Starting the season 2-0, the Wild are pumped to have one more home game before heading out west on a 4 game road trip that includes a stop in Anaheim to play the Mighty Ducks. The Wild play division rival Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night on their hometown ice at the Xcel Energy Center St Paul.

I was checking a local ticket broker site (since that is usually the only way to get tickets this close to the game) and I see that a Minnesota Wild Tickets site has uppers left for $34 per ticket and lower level center ice for $89 per ticket. Those are some pretty decent prices considering the Wild are hot right now. I know you can pick the tickets up at their little office on West 7th just a block from the Xcel. I did it for the opener and it was super easy.

I know some Minnesotans don’t think highly of ticket brokers, like Ticket King, but seriously if you love sports you have to appreciate that these guys are willing to wait in line for the tickets and to hook up with other sports fans to build an inventory of seats that are available to people that want to go at the last minute. Yeah, sometimes you pay a little more, but they are running a business of convenience and if it wasn’t for them this sports fan wouldn’t be able to go to very many games. Let’s go Wild!

Eric Belanger Provides Spark

After two periods of the Wild's home opener, it appears as though Eric Belanger is the biggest off season addition to the Minnesota Wild roster. He assisted on Pierre Marc-Bouchard's goal and has added energy to a Minnesota Wild team that otherwise lacks energy. I really look forward to watching the line of Bouchard, Belanger and Rolston. In my opinion, they could prove to be the top Minnesota Wild line this year. GO WILD!!!

Sloppy Minnesota Wild

I hope that the first two periods of the Minnesota Wild's home opener is no indication of their potential for NHL dominance. The normally crisp passing Minnesota Wild have spent the first two periods versus the Chicago Blackhawks committing turnovers in their zone as well as failing to take advantage of their odd man rushes. The only good news so far is that the Minnesota Wild leads the game 1-0 with only one period remaining. I hope that the Wild wakes up and realizes that they are a far superior team and put the Chicago Blackhawks away!

Wild on a Preseason Roll

The Minnesota Wild have been on a roll since losing their first preseason game. The Wild have won the past 4 games straight including defeating the St Louis Blues last night 7 to zip at the X. The Wild have two more preseason games before the Wild Season opener on October 4th. Want to read more details about the Wild players and the Wild games? Visit my new SB Nation In the State of Hockey blog site. It’s an honor to be part of such a big blogging network and I want to show all of the other SB Nation Bloggers that Minnesota is the state of hockey and that our hockey fans are better than any other!

Wild lose Preseason to Detroit 1-6

Minnesota Wild lost their preseason home opener last night to the Detroit Red Wings. There were a handful of Wild starters on the ice including Marian Gaborik, Pavol Demitra, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Wes Walz and Derek Boogaard. You would think with all of that talent the game would have been a little closer. Boogaard got a five-minute major and game misconduct for elbowing. Word on the street is that referees have a target painted on his back. MN Wild Freak hopes that isn’t true because we need the Boogie man to scare our opponents. If the refs are constantly on him and he’s in the box 90% pf the the time, he won’t be very intimidating.

The Wild will have a chance to redeem themselves against the Red Wings on Thursday in Detroit.

Wild fans (and critics) need to remember that Preseason is just a warm-up. The real hockey starts on opening night at the Xcel Energy Center on October 4th. Buy Wild Tickets now!

Minnesota Wild Tickets

My buddy, who is one of the lucky ones to own Minnesota Wild Tickets, called me today to let me know that there was a Minnesota Wild Season Ticket Holder pre-sale for Wild Tickets today. Unfortunately, I couldn't snap any Wild Tickets up because you had to have a special season ticket holder password in order to purchase any Wild NHL Tickets. I swear the guy was just rubbing it in that he has seats and I am going to have to camp out this weekend for the regular Wild Ticket onsale in order to snap any tickets up for my beloved Minnesota Wild. Oh well, it gives me an excuse to go talk Minnesota Wild Hockey with the rest of the Minnesota Wild "Freaks" that are out there. I will see you at the X!!!

New Wild Blog

The world of NHL Bloggers seems so much smaller than their MLB counterparts. There are a million baseball blogs and baseball web pages dedicated to stats and fantasy baseball, but hockey is just starting to hit the internet craze phase. SB Nation, one of the largest sports blogging communities is just starting to get hockey bloggers up and going. I am going to start writing in a new Minnesota Wild blog called http://www.inthestateofhockey.com/ – check it out and be sure to leave a message! Don't worry MN Wild Freak fans, I will keep writing in my blogger page as well. Go Wild!

New Jerseys will Make Wild Players 9 Percent Faster

The Minnesota Wild is getting newer, more technologically advanced jerseys this season as part of a league-wide uniform reform. All I can say is: Please do not change the design of the logo or color pattern! Yeah, sure, it will be great if Pavol Demitra will be able to move nine percent faster this year thanks to his threads, but the Wild has the coolest looking jerseys in the league right now, and an update in style won’t be needed for at least a couple of years. Anyways, the jerseys will be on sale at the Xcel Energy Center and Mall of America Hockey Lodge stores on Sept. 7. Fans can also get a sneak peek of the jersey design at the Minnesota Wild Minnesota State Fair Booth.

Wild Get National Exposure

The Versus network is undertaking national television showings of Minnesota Wild hockey this season, three games to be exact. Hopefully, the Wild can play their best hockey on October 30 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, January 30 against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and March 17 against the Colorado Avalanche. If Versus gets some footage of the surrounding sellout crowds at the Xcel Energy Center, displaying all the tickets the Wild sell, maybe the national audience will gain some knowledge: Minnesota is indeed The State of Hockey.

Backstrom Puts a Poor Memory to Use

One of the hugest assets that Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom possesses is his poor memory. No really, having a poor memory helps out NHL goalies: they let in a goal and it slips out of their mind like a vague dream. Backstrom specializes in poor memory among the best NHL goalies. It’s a steely attitude that succeeds when defending the net against blue-line snipers, and Backstrom perfectly fits the bill. He doesn’t get overly emotional or whiny if things aren’t going his way, something former Wild goalie Manny Fernandez was apt to do. Now that Fernandez is gone, it’s just one less distraction for Backstrom, not like he could be distracted.

Wild Grooming Another Skull-Basher

Matt Kassian was a second round pick of the Minnesota Wild in the 2005 NHL Draft, and they drafted him for a reason. They needed a backup for Boogey. That’s Derek Boogaard for the uninitiated. Boogaard duked it out with Wild opponents all year in 2006-07 while Kassian was in the juniors waiting his turn. Kassian will most likely start the season for the Houston Aeros again, but the Wild is grooming him nicely for an enforcer spot on the club. The 6-4, 247 pound Kassian is reportedly not as good a skater as Boogaard, but summer power skating sessions have seen improvement. But Kassian’s strong point isn’t his skating, it’s his fighting.

Kassian’s been describe as a new-schooler in fighting technique, but some of the old-school fighters like Georges Laraque have an advantage over the younger guys because of their experience. Fortunately, Kassian has worked out with Laraque in the offseason to prepare him for fights against some of the leagues vets. It probably won’t be long before Wild fans get acquainted with Matt Kassian, he might soon be teaming up with Boogaard to bash some real skull!

Kalus Possesses Serious Potential

Just a refresher: It wasn’t just diddly-squat that came the Minnesota Wild’s way when they traded talented goalie Manny Fernandez last month. The team received excellent looking prospect Petr Kalus from the Boston Bruins, and they hope to use him this season if he proves himself in the Wild prospect camp. Kalus plays a speed game not unlike that of Marian Gaboriks’, and coaches are very high on him. Kalus originally caught Wild management’s attention during the IIHF World Championships in the 2004-05 season. Kalus will compile the penalty minutes – he had 110 in 43 games for the Providence Bruins last year – but he is the type of player the Wild need. So far, people are saying he can do everything, hit, skate and score. Sounds like my kind of winger. Bring the kid up and see what he can do! Get some Minnesota Wild tickets today and see some Gaborik and possibly Kalus action this season.

Being Backup is just Harding’s Ticket

Josh Harding, the Minnesota Wild goaltender of the future, will no longer be limited by that particular title. Harding is ready to step up to be net-minder luminary Niklas Backstrom’s backup, and the Wild signed him to a multi-year deal. With Manny Fernandez shipped off to Boston, Harding will no longer have to compete for backup time. Backstrom will undoubtedly need a rest periodically throughout the season, giving Harding those spot chances to shine that he so specially excelled in last year. In seven games last season, Harding put up a 3-2-1 record with a phenomenal, if not fluky, 1.16 goals against average and a .960 save percentage. He also recorded two shutouts. I’m anxious to see if Harding can keep up these amazing performances in his primary backup role.

Wild Mark their Calendars for Revenge

The Minnesota Wild will get four cracks at defending Stanley Cup Champions the Anaheim Ducks next season according to the 2007-08 NHL schedule released last week. The games will come about midway through the season, and they might be a good measuring stick for the Wild’s postseason potential. Get hockey tickets to see the Ducks vs. Wild when the Ducks come into town on Friday, January 18 and Wednesday, January 30. Don’t be surprised if the second matchup in less than two weeks between the teams turns a little chippy, because after last season’s often deadlocked playoff series, these two teams might do anything to gain the upper hand. The Wild has to travel to Anaheim two times as well to play the Ducks on Sunday, October 14 and Friday, December 14. Buy your Minnesota Wild Tickets now! Let's go Wild!

Wild Sign Sean Hill

The Minnesota Wild signed Duluth, Minnesota native and 37 year old defenseman Sean Hill last week. Hill had one goal and 24 assists in 81 games for the New York Islanders last season and was also the first NHL player suspended for violating the league's drug policy. Hill was suspended hours before the Islanders playoff loss to the Buffalo Sabres due to a positive test for the anabolic steroid boldenone, which is banned by the NHL. Hill received a twenty game suspension and will miss the first nineteen games of the new 2007/08 season. The Wild said Hill acknowledged using a doctor-prescribed testosterone booster approved by the NHL, but told the team he did not knowingly take boldenone and is unsure how it got in his system.

As an eighth-round pick of Montreal in the 1988 draft, Sean Hill has also played for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes and the St. Louis Blues. This hard-nosed Minnesota native ranked third in the NHL in hits and sixth in blocked shots last season which is probably why the Wild signed him to the one year deal. Minnesota Wild fans look forward to Hill helping beef up Minnesota Wild defense and Wild fans certainly hope that the Sean Hills next drug test turns out clean because every one knows head coach Jacques Lemaire doesn't mess around with troubled players.

Wild Trade Manny Fernandez

MN Wild Freak had a feeling about Minnesota Wild goalie Manny Fernandez being traded and the feeling was right. The Minnesota Wild traded goaltender Manny Fernandez to the Boston Bruins Sunday. In exchange for Fernandez and his $4.3 million salary, the Wild receive forward prospect Petr Kalus and a mid-round draft pick. The Wild confirmed that the trade was approved by the NHL just after midnight and came so late because of a league technicality. The 2007-08 salary cap didn't officially increase until Sunday, and Fernandez's salary would have pushed the Bruins over the $44 million cap if it had happened on Saturday.

Manny Fernandez was one of the three original Wild players still with the team last season. He had a record of 113-102-28 in 260 games with the Wild, with a 2.47 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. True Minnesota Wild fans will miss their beloved Manny, but goaltender Niklas Backstrom won’t leave us disappointed. Let’s go Wild!

Wild Select Colton Gillies in Draft

The Minnesota Wild traded up in the 2007 NHL Draft last weekend, but didn’t draft who many experts thought they would. The Wild must have really wanted Colton Gillies, because they gave up both their 19th and 42nd overall pick to acquire Gillies at only three picks ahead at 16th overall. Glen Andresen of Wild.nhl.com was sure the Wild was going to select either Alexei Cherpanov or Angelo Esposito. Andresen was high on Esposito because of his incredible on-ice speed. True to his potential, Esposito put up some outrageous numbers in the QMJHL. The 2006-07 season saw him notch 79 points and the 2005-06 season was even more crazy as he dropped 98 points on 39 goals for the Quebec Remparts. Esposito is only 18 years old at the time of the draft, and time will only tell if the Wild missed out on a furious NHL goal scorer. It’s all about the professional team creating a player’s image however, and the Wild has an opportunity to make Colton Gillies a big Minnesota Wild ticket draw in coming years.

Ticket Scalping and Minnesota Wild

It will be very interesting to see what the Minnesota Wild thinks about ticket scalping now that it is legal in Minnesota. I was downtown St. Paul last week and I noticed that Ticket King is opening an office directly across the street form the Xcel Energy Center. I am sure that they did this because Wild Tickets are such a hot commodity. My hunch is that the Minnesota Wild won't have a problem with people buying and selling Wild Tickets because they sell out all of their games and the only way to get tickets is to deal with a ticket broker.

Boogaard Involved in More Fights

After years of being exclusively in the realm of NFL and NBA players, nightclub fight shenanigans have finally entered into the NHL thanks to Wild left winger Derek Boogaard. Boogaard was charged with assaulting a 20-year-old man last August outside of Regina, Saskatchewan’s sole nightclub. OK, I don’t know if Regina has more than one nightclub, but Boogaard was charged with “causing bodily harm,” apparently throwing punches or something. Anyways, the Boogie Man had his charges “stayed” or dropped by the Crown the other day and he won’t have to go to trial. Thanks Boogie for some off-ice notoriety to strike fear into the hearts of opponents. If you want to see some on-ice Boogie fights, get Wild tickets now, because good news: Boogaard was allegedly last seen picking up pointers from Timberwolves player Ricky Davis at the local Déjà vu.

Wild Goalies Honored Together, Perhaps for Last Time

The two Minnesota Wild goalies who tended the net so well this season were both recently honored at the mini-NHL awards ceremony in Ottawa. Niklas Backstrom and Manny Fernandez received the William M. Jennings Trophy, which is awarded for allowing the fewest goals against during the regular season. The other award was the Roger Crozier Save Grace Award for the league’s best save percentage during the regular season (.929). The goalie tandem that the Wild sent to the awards ceremony might be disbanded soon, as the Wild has just signed Niklas Backstrom to a new contract. The Wild has yet to move on Fernandez, but the goalie still has two years left on a three-year deal at $4.33 million per year against the cap. Fernandez isn’t sure what next season holds for him, but he is happy the way he finished the 2006-07 season. He believes he left on a “good note,” and that other teams are going to have a spot for him if he gets traded. With Backstrom back in the net, the Minnesota Wild are sure to have a great season next year and Minnesota Wild fans won't want to miss one single save! Buy Wild Tickets now!

Wild Dismisses Thelen

Poor A.J. Thelen. The guy just tried to have a fun night out drinking at Michigan State and it amounts to the Minnesota Wild organization giving up on him. I guess hockey is like any other sport in that its players have to be good boys and girls before becoming a pro, otherwise pro scouts think a player has “an attitude.” Isn’t an attitude something everyone has? Can’t you have a good attitude? The word attitude has been negatively stigmatized and athletes are suffering everywhere because of it. Poor A.J. Thelen. Maybe he’ll sign with some other team and score two goals on the Wild on slap-shots from the blue line next year.

Fernandez Front Office Spat

Manny Fernandez continues his six-year tirade of trying to get out of Minnesota in an interview with Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press. Murphy calls the interview Fernandez gave him “wide-ranging,” and from the looks of the article it probably was. Fernandez says he has to “break free of these chains” to reach his full potential in another NHL city. If he wants to go so bad, maybe he should. I wouldn’t mind giving the young and promising Josh Harding a shot at backing up the impeccable Niklas Backstrom. In face, the Wild organization trying to hold on to Fernandez almost has a comical feel to it, being that the Wild don’t really need Fernandez and because Manny is such a whiner. Even his agent in the May 30 article basically calls Manny a whiner by saying “It’s just Manny being Manny.” Perhaps the most hilarious part of the situation is the way coach Jacques Lemaire and assistant general manager Tom Lynn react to Fernandez and his antics.

“At least once or twice a year Manny or his agent have said we’re going to trade him imminently,” Lynn said in the Pioneer Press article by Murphy. “After six years, it doesn’t really register.”

So the Wild just ignore Fernandez and keep him sadistically in a Wild sweater? I’m sorry but I find that amusing. I say keep Manny around so we can hear more funny rants from him this season. Unless of course the Wild can get some real talent in exchange for him.

How Will Wild spend?

With Niklas Backstrom an almost sure lock as the Minnesota Wild’s starting goalie next year, it’s going to be interesting to see what the Wild do with Manny Fernandez, who is due to receive $4.5 million next year. I certainly don’t want to see the Wild paying a bench player that much money, but it would be sweet to have a solid backup for Backstrom. If the Wild is not going to pay Fernandez next season and move him in a trade, the Wild would be able to apply their free cap space a little more liberally during the offseason on hot free agents the way they did in the last offseason. I think it would help to surround the core Wild players of Bryan Rolston, Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra with some additional talent, perhaps a scoring defenseman.

Minnesota Wild Tickets are HOT!!!

In a news release, the Minnesota Wild announced that the franchise has 16,500 Wild season ticket holders and more than 7,500 on the season ticket waiting list. In order to get your name on the Minnesota Wild waiting list, you have to place a $200/seat non-refundable deposit.

The Minnesota Wild has sold out every single game in its 274 home games history. The average attendance has been 18,543 per game at the Xcel Energy Center, which has an official capacity of 18,064.

I am sure that the waiting list will continue to grow if the Minnesota Wild keeps playing as well as they did last year. I would get your name on the waiting list now before it is too late.

Manny on the Market

What is the Minnesota Wild doing right now with two number one goaltenders while they have a great opportunity to free some cap space by moving Manny Fernandez to a team that is desperate for goaltending? According to the Star Tribune, both the Florida Panthers and the Phoenix Coyotes could be possible candidates for making a trade for Fernandez. One thing is clear: The Wild is probably going to make Niklas Backstrom their number one goalie to start the 2007-08 season based on his stellar playoff performance, so where does Fernandez fit in if he has to sit on the bench? Let’s not forget that Josh Harding proved himself in his limited opportunities to net mind last season with that big shutout against the Edmonton Oilers on March 1.

Niklas Backstrom & Manny Fernandez?

I was very surprised to read that Assistant Minnesota Wild GM Tom Lynn said, "We feel we can sign Niklas without trading Manny [Fernandez]." In my opinion, the feasibility of retaining two goalies of this caliber and salary level ended when the new salary cap was instituted. The Minnesota Wild is starving for one or two more impact players and they need to cut ties with one of their goalies in order to have the cap room to sign them. I hope that Tom Lynn was simply posturing prior to attempting to trade Manny Fernandez to free up some $.

Xcel Says Good-Bye to Ice and Hello to Music

Now that the Minnesota Wild Season is over, the Xcel Energy Center can focus on their upcoming summer concerts. First up is Billy Joel on May 9th and then Kenny Chesney with his Flip Flop Tour kicking off on Mothers Day May 13th. If your mother or wife is hot for Kenny, Kenny Chesney tickets would be a great gift! Other big names to grace Excel in the next few months include Gwen Stefani, Nelly Furtado, Tool, Roger Waters, The Police, Josh Groban and more! It’s safe to say the “X” is sad the Wild got knocked out of the playoffs so early, but they aren’t sitting around moping about it, they have concerts to prepare for. On the Minnesota Wild website you can watch the Xcel Energy crew take out the ice in the arena. It’s a little sad to see them chopping away at our home pond, but it’s just the final chapter in this year’s short Minnesota Wild season. Here’s a link to watch the crew take out the ice: Xcel Energy Center

The Wild were Definitely Dangerous

After watching the Anaheim Mighty Ducks absolutely crush the Vancouver Canucks the other night 5-1, I don’t feel as bad that the Minnesota Wild fared as they did against the powerhouse Ducks. At least the Wild competed in every game and had a chance to get some lucky bounces that might lead to goals. It proves how dangerous the Wild really were if they could have snuck past what many people consider the favorite in the race for Lord Stanley’s cup. I’m keeping an eye on the rest of this Vancouver/Anaheim series – it will be interesting if the Canucks put up a fight.

Minnesota Wild vs. Mighty Ducks 2007-2008

The only silver lining to the Minnesota Wild losing to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the NHL Playoffs this year is that the future games between these two teams will be a blast to watch. There is still bad blood between the Ducks and Wild and I have the feeling that the first game between them will be a blood bath. It will be fun to watch Derek Boogaard beat Brad May silly for the crap that he pulled on Kim Johnnson. I am sure that the games involving the Ducks and Minnesota Wild next year will have an NHL Playoff feel to them. I know that I am going to circle those on the Minnesota Wild Schedule as must see games.

Brent Burns Is The Man!

The silver lining to watching every minute of this otherwise disappointing NHL Playoff Series is that I have been able to witness the coming of age of Brent Burns. There has never been any doubt that Brent Burns has tons of talent. I did at times in the past question his toughness and leadership ability. After watching him step up his game late this year and then take it to the next level versus the Anaheim Mighty Ducks I no longer have any doubt that Brent Burns has become an elite defenseman in the NHL. I can't wait to see him take the next step whether it is tonight or next year. GO WILD!!!

Brad May Is A Punk!!!

The only negative to the Minnesota Wild winning last night at the Xcel Energy Center is that we aren't going to get the opportunity to watch Derek Boogaard destroy Brad May. Now that Bertuzzi is watching his P's & Q's, Brad May is the biggest punk in the NHL. His sucker punch of Kim Johnnson was cowardly and deserves payback. Unfortunately, the NHL will take matters into their own hands and suspend him for the rest of the series. I would rather watch Boogaard punish May by knocking him out. GO WILD!!!

Gaborik Where Are You?

Has anyone seen Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra? They have both been a no show for this NHL Playoff series against the Mighty Ducks. How do two talented players like Gaborik and Demitra not have one shot on goal in last Sunday's game? Even if the Minnesota Wild lose this series to the Mighty Ducks, it sure would be nice to see Gaborik and Demitra score a few goals. So, if you know where they are hiding, please let them know that their team is still playing this year. GO WILD!!!

No Consistency with Referees

I have spent the year enjoying the "New NHL" and the subtle changes that were made to the game that have put more of a premium on passing, speed and puck-handling. The NHL Referees did an excellent job of calling penalties any time that a player reverted to the "Old NHL" and held or obstructed a player. The game was just plain better! Now, for some reason, the NHL Referees have decided to call the games like they were called before. They have allowed the Mighty Ducks to obstruct and hold Minnesota Wild Players. It has taken the speed out of the game and has allowed the Mighty Ducks to turn this NHL Playoff Series into a flashback series where speed didn't matter and the outcome can be decided based on who can hold or obstruct the most. Hopefully, tonight the NHL Referees will decide to call the game consistent to the way that the entire regular season was called.

Stanley Cup Championship On Horizon

I was just thinking about the NHL Playoffs and the fact that the Minnesota Wild only have to win 16 more games this year in order to raise the Stanley Cup for the State of Hockey. I am sure that Jacques Lemaire and the rest of the Minnesota Wild coaching staff have made it perfectly clear to Gaborik, Rolston, Burns and the rest of the boys that they need to play one game at a time and not worry about who their next opponent will be or get too far ahead of themselves. I unfortunately, am not a member of the Minnesota Wild so I can look ahead and start the countdown from 16 t0 1.

In Jacques Lemaire I Trust

As I was lamenting over the Minnesota Wilds chance of advancing past the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, I for some reason had a cocky sort of calm come over me. At that moment, I remembered that the Minnesota Wild are coached by Jacques Lemaire. There is not a better coach to lead their team into the NHL Playoffs than Jacques. In 2003, he took the Minnesota Wild within three victories of heading to the final series for the Stanley Cup Championship. That team was over matched by all three teams that it beat yet Jacques Lemaire found a way to coach the Wild to big win after big win. So, for all of you that think that there is no chance that the Minnesota Wild can beat the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in this best of seven series, remember who is standing on the Minnesota Wild bench and remember waht he has accomplished as an NHL coach. Thanks to Jacques Lemaire, the Minnesota Wild will advance.

I read Twin Cities Tickets Blog and got the low down on the NHL Playoff Ticket market. It sounds like they are a hot commodity.

Please Let There Be No Injuries

At this point of the season, with virtually no chance of catching the division leading Vancouver Canucks, the Minnesota Wild coaching staff should be resting Gaborik, Demitra, Rolston, Backstrom and Bouchard in order to prevent an injury. the only down side to resting them is that there is a chance that the team could lose some of their momentum. That is a risk that I am willing to take in order to guarantee that the Minnesota Wild will skate into the NHL Playoffs full-strength. GO WILD!!!

Wild Can't Beat Hot Colorado Avalanche

The Minnesota Wild dropped another contest Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche for their third consecutive loss. The Wild have already secured a playoff spot, but their chances of gaining the third seed in the Western Conference are fading. The Vancouver Canucks currently hold that spot with 101 points in the Northwest division. Colorado Avalanche power plays got the Minnesota Wild in trouble as the Avalanche were able to cash in to beat the Wild 2-1. The Minnesota Wild is sadly losing some of their previously furious momentum going into the NHL hockey playoffs. Instead, the Colorado Avalanche is the hottest team in hockey right now, as they set a Colorado Avalanche franchise record for wins in the month of March. The Avalanche is still behind the Calgary Flames for the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoffs despite their solid play in March.

Minnesota Wild Playoff Tickets

I was reading my favorite Twin Cities Ticket Blog and saw that Minnesota Wild Playoff Tickets have been sent to the season ticket holders that ordered their seats for the post season. It sounds like good seats are being sold for $250/Ticket. My hunch is that the prices will go up if the Minnesota Wild play the Detroit Red Wings in the first round versus the current match-up of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Playing the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Playoffs is like playing the New York Yankees in the MLB Playoffs. All I know is that I CANT WAIT!!!

DID BACKSTROM LOSE HIS MOXIE?

In watching the shoot out in Minnesota Wild game versus the Calgary Flames on 3/27 and the first period of the MN Wild vs. Flames on 3/29, I am worried that Backstrom has lost his goal tending edge. He was beaten badly twice in the shoot out and then game up two soft goals in the game on Thursday. This is bad timing for the Minnesota Wild. They need him to get hot again and get back to the unbeatable form that he has shown since Fernandez went down. I hope that it wasn't a sign of things to come. Would the old Niklas Backstrom please come back.

WES WALZ IS THE MAN!

In my mind, the unsung hero for the Minnesota Wild team is Wes Walz. He brings great energy to the ice and has an uncanny ability to be in the right defensive spot at the right time. Any kid who aspires to be an NHL player should watch Wes Walz back check. He has perfected being a thorn in the side of the opposition. Many of the things that Wes Walz does on the ice are things that the casual hockey fan doesn't notice. If that same fan would only follow Wes Walz during one of his shifts, they would instantly appreciate how much Walz means to the Wild. GO WILD!!!

IT HAS ALMOST BECOME BORING

The Minnesota Wild are so hot right now that it is almost becoming boring to be a fan. I am obviously kidding because I have had so much fun watching this Minnesota Wild team. The closest that I have ever come to enjoying a professional season as much as I have enjoyed the Minnesota Wild this year was watching the 1998 Minnesota Vikings. I was lucky enough to have Vikings Tickets that 15-1 year and I was at every single home game. Like it did that season, it just feels right for the Wild this year. The Minnesota Wild have one of the hottest goalies (Niklas Backstrom) and one of the hottest lines in the NHL (Demitra & Gaborik.) They are playing as well as any team in the NHL right now. I just hope that there is a happier ending than there was for the 1998 Minnesota Vikings squad. GO WILD!!!

DOUG RISEBROUGH IS A GENIUS

The fact that Doug Risebrough traded for Pavol Demitra is proof that he is an NHL genius. I am beginning to think that Demitra and Gaborik are currently the best duo in the NHL. It has gotten to the point that I feel like they are simply toying with the opposition with their give and go passing. The only reason the these two are dominating right now and the Wild is on a huge winning streak is that Risebrough made a GREAT trade that brought the two of them together. Kudos to Doug Risebrough!

NHL PLAYOFF MATCH UPS CHANGE DAILY

I found a great resource for figuring out who the Minnesota Wild will play in the NHL Playoffs this year. It saves your brain cells and you don't have to be a tiebreaker expert to figure everything out. I noticed that it changes instantly after each game ends. If you are sick of scoreboard watching, you simply have to visit the NHL Playoff Race section on espn.com.

WILD MIGHT FACE RED WINGS IN PLAYOFFS

I just read that Todd Bertuzzi will be making his Detroit Red Wings debut during a three-game homestand that begins tonight with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Detroit Red Wings acquired Bertuzzi in a trade from the Florida Panthers on February 27. He hasn't played an NHL game since October 18. What makes this interesting for Minnesota Wild fans is that there is a chance that the Minnesota Wild will face the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the NHL Playoffs. How awesome would that be? I can't think of a better scenario than the Wild versus Red Wings playoff series with the most hated player in the NHL on the ice for Detroit. Keep your eyes on the standings.

Don't forget that there is a great site that sells Minnesota Wild Tickets as well as Minnesota Wild Playoff Tickets.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS JUST KEEP WINNING

The Minnesota Wild have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the last month and they still can't catch division leading Vancouver. Last night, Vancouver beat the Edmonton Oilers for their eighth win in their last ten games. The win increased their lead over the idle Minnesota Wild to three points for first place in the Northwest Division. It is unfortunate for the Minnesota Wild that the only team playing as well they are happens to also be leading their division. The Minnesota Wild's only hope is that Vancouver cools off and the Wild can continue its great play and take advantage of their streak of home games. GO WILD!!!

HUGE OVERTIME WIN FOR MINNESOTA WILD

Last night's overtime victory over the division leading Vancouver Canucks was a huge victory which brought the Minnesota Wild within one point of the division lead. ONE POINT! After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, the Minnesota Wild stormed back to win the game despite another great performance by Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo. Of all the teams ahead of the Wild in the playoff hunt, the Vancouver Canucks scare me the most. I am afraid of the ability of Roberto Luongo to completely shut down the opposing team. The outstanding goal tending of Giguere for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, the last time the Wild made it to the playoffs, is way too fresh in my memory. It sure would be nice if the Minnesota Wild won the division and the only way that they would play the Roberto Luongo and the rest of the Vancouver Canucks again would be with the home ice advantage. GO WILD!!!

MINNESOTA WILD HAMMERS NAIL IN AVS COFFIN

I was lucky enough to get invited to the game between the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. My buddy had two extra Wild Tickets because one of his sons decided he would rather go to a birthday party than the Wild game. It was definitely my daughter and my lucky day. The game had as close to an NHL playoff atmosphere as a regular season game could. The Avalanche came in needing to beat the Wild to give them any chance of catching them for a playoff spot. The Avs left everything on the table and it was awesome to see the Wild respond with an overtime victory. I am confident that the Wild secured a playoff spot with the big win and that the Avalanche will be on the outside looking in.

There were two things that really stood out to me while watching the game. The first one was that Niklas Backstrom is just plain good. At this point of the Season, Jacques Lemaire needs to ride his hot goalie all the way to the Stanley Cup instead of feeling obligated to put Manny Fernandez in the rotation. The second one was that Brent Burns has developed into a very good NHL hockey player. He brings a lot of energy to the ice and has become a very solid defender. It doesn't hurt when he scores a goal like he did in the overtime yesterday. I am counting the days until the playoffs start. I just hope my buddy's kid has another birthday party to go to.

WHAT DRUG IS WILLIE MITCHELL ON?

When Willie Mitchell was a member of the Minnesota Wild, the only thing that you could count on from him was solid defense. Now as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, all he does is tally points against his former team. As I am writing this, the Minnesota Wild is losing 3-2 to the Canucks and Willie Mitchell has two assists. Where were those assists when he was on the Minnesota Wild?

It has been fun to watch the Gaborik versus Mitchell game within the game. Gaborik has definitely had fun taking the body versus Mitchell and Mitchell has been jawing with Gaborik. I can only imagine how much fun this rivalry will be watch if these teams meet in the playoffs. Maybe Boogard will have to have a talk with Willie?

IT JUST FEELS RIGHT

We are at the point of the NHL season when teams need to be on a roll in order to have success in the NHL Playoffs. On thing is for sure, the Minnesota Wild are clicking on all cylinders. The pessimist in me was depressed when Backstrom went down with an injury last night in Calgary. To my surprise, through two periods tonight, his replacement Josh Harding has been very solid. You know that your team is on a roll when their third string goalie is playing well.

Anyone who doesn't realize that Gaborik, Walz and Demitra make up one of the five best lines in the NHL isn't paying attention. It feels like they are going to score a goal every shift right now. Generally speaking, a hot goalie and and hot offensive line can carry an NHL team well into the playoffs. Both of those things are true for the Minnesota Wild. Beware NHL, the Minnesota Wild are for real!!!

MINNESOT WILD SEND OUT PLAYOFF INVOICES

As a Minnesota Wild fan, I knew things were going well for my favorite NHL team when my buddy who is a Wild season ticket holder called me to tell me that he received his Stanley Cup Playoffs invoice. That was music to my ears because it means one thing, the Minnesota Wild are going to the playoffs. Teams generally only send out playoff invoices when they are very confident that their team will make the playoffs. Thus, the Minnesota Wild brass must think that the hockey season is going to extend past April 7Th at the Xcel Energy Center. If anyone has any hints on how I can talk my buddy into selling me a couple of seats, please let me know. GO WILD!!!

MINNESOTA WILD KEEPS GETTING BETTER

It definitely feels like the Minnesota Wild is hitting their stride at perfect time. With the NHL Playoffs right around the corner my favorite team is clicking on all cylinders. I felt as though the Wild was ripe for a letdown after their huge win on Thursday in Colorado. The Avalanche were all but left for dead in the chase for the last playoff spot by losing that pivotal game to the Minnesota Wild. Instead of a letdown, The Minnesota Wild dominated the Edmonton Oilers and won easily 4-1. By losing to the Minnesota Wild today, it is now getting to the point that the Edmonton Oilers playoff chances are on life support. They have fallen seven points behind eighth seed Calgary for the last playoff spot. With how well Backstrom, Gaborik, Burns and the rest of the Minnesota Wild are playing right now, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wild caught the Vancouver Canucks and won their division. More importantly, I would be even less surprised if the Wild rode this momentum all the way to the Stanley Cup. GO WILD!!!

XCEL ENERGY CENTER WAS ROCKING

I was lucky enough to score a couple of seats to the Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars game last night. I paid $100/Ticket for a couple of seats in section 119 from Ticket King which appears to be the online broker with the best prices on Wild Tickets. Even though it was more than I am used to paying for a ticket to the Minnesota Wild, I feel like I totally got my moneys worth. What more can you ask for? The game wasn't decided until the last shooter of the shootout. Mikko Koivu was again the hero with his patented backhand flip to win the game for the Minnesota Wild. The Minnesota Wild picked up a crucial extra point by beating the Stars and moved within 3 points of division leading Vancouver. I just hope that they can keep it up and make a big push for the NHL Playoffs.

PETER FORSBERG WHO?

In what could be argued the biggest win of the year, the Minnesota Wild ruined Peter Forsberg's debut with the Nashville Predators by a score of 4-1. Peter Forsberg arrived in Nasville via a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers who received two players and two draft picks in exchange for former NHL MVP Forsberg. Nashville came into the game with 81 points and sat atop the Western Conference. The Minnesota Wild won the game on goals by Pavol Demitra, Pierre Marc Bouchard, Branko Radivojevic and Marian Gaborik. Niklas Backstrom improved to 6-1-1 in place of injured goalie Manny Fernandez. The win brought the Minnesota Wild within one point of division leading Vancouver. It is really getting fun to be a fan of the Minnesota Wild.

SOMTIMES IT IS OK TO LOSE

At first, I was super disappointed about the Minnesota Wild losing to the Vancouver Canucks on Valentines Day. A few minuted later, I stopped being a baby and came to the realization that there is now way that the Minnesota Wild is going to win the rest of their games this year. I then spent some time looking for the silver lining in the loss. First of all, The Minnesota Wild played well and no one got hurt. Second of all, Backstrom is proving to be an excellent goalie while Manny Fernandez is hurt. It feels a lot better knowing that the Minnesota Wild will enter the NHL playoffs with two competent goalies. Lastly, even while losing, the Minnesota Wild seem to be peaking at the time. The future looks bright for Jacques Lemaire and the Minnesota Wild.

TONIGHTS BIG WILD GAME

Tonight should be a big game for the Minnesota Wild for several reasons. #1 The Wild are coming off a giant victory over the Hurricanes last Saturday #2 this is one of those inter-division games that the Wild need to win and #3 all of the Wild players are finally healthy. The NHL’s policy of having division teams face each other eight times a year has drawn heavy criticism, but a game like tonight between the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks has huge implications, which is exactly what the NHL wanted.

The Wild should be able to slide into a win tonight. They have outscored Vancouver, 18-9 this season and with Gaborik, Demitra and Walz firing on all cylinders there should be a few goals tonight as well. Vancouver has settled into more of a defensive game this year and the Wild will be ready to pounce on any open puck. It’s Valentine’s Day and I am sure the Xcel Energy Center will have a Kiss Cam for tonight’s game so grab your sweetie and head out to the “X” to see a stellar game! Need tickets? There are still good Minnesota Wild Tickets available! Go Wild!

MINNESOTA WILD DOWN STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS

It is really starting to get fun. Last night, the Minnesota Wild Hockey Team beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 5-4. It definitely feels like some of the off season moves made by Doug Riseborough are starting to pay off now when it counts. It seems as though Pavol Demitra scores or gets an assist whenever the Minnesota Wild needs a big goal. I am also really starting to appreciate Mark Parrish for all of the little things that he does. The fact that he has been scoring is an added bonus. Three weeks ago, it was extremely frustrating to be a Wild fan. I would have to say that right now I am having as much fun as I have had since their playoff run a few years ago. I just hope that they can keep it up. GO WILD!!!

MINNESOTA WILD MADE ME SWEAT

Last night I caught the Minnesota Wild vs. Florida Panthers game at Matty B's. The first period was a typical Wild game. They seem to come out flat in the first period and then get their acts together in periods tow and three. Backstrom definitely played well and was the only reason that the Minnesota Wild wasn't down a goal or tow after the first period. After the first period, it was as though someone flipped a switch and the real Wild hockey team showed up. They dominated the Panthers and skated to a 3-0 lead. Then, they reverted back to the Minnesota Wild of the first period and gave up two quick goals to the Panthers. One of the goals was really "soft". Backstrom misplayed a rebound of the end boards and the puck bounced in front for an easy one-timer by a Panther player. I thought to myself what a bad loss or tie it would be if they actually coughed up another goal. Thank God, they didn't!

I AM A MINNESOTA WILD FAN

I have really grown to hate the Dallas Stars. For some reason, they seem to have the number of the Minnesota Wild. They have now beaten the Wild 3 straight games this season. For those of you in Minnesota who still cheer for the Dallas Stars, I have news for you. They are not the Minnesota North Stars any longer, They are the Dallas Stars. In my mind, you can't be a true Minnesota Wild fan and Dallas Stars fan at the same time. They moved to Dallas a long time ago and they are never moving back. This is a friendly reminder for all of you in the "State of Hockey", we have an NHL team and they are named the Minnesota Wild. GO WILD!!!

IT'S FUN TO BE A MINNESOTA WILD FAN

As the NHL play off race gets more interesting it has become even more fun to be a fan of the Minnesota Wild. It definitely feels as though the cream is rising to the top with regard to the Minnesota Wild and the final push for the playoffs. It has been fun the last few games to watch the Wild prevail. They followed up an impressive win over division rival Colorado with a victory over a very mediocre Phoenix Coyotes team. What impressed me the most about the victory over the Coyotes is that this game had let down written all over it. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Wild was not able to sustain any sort of momentum after a big win. They often followed a big win with a bad loss but not this time. Look out NHL the Minnesota Wild are on a roll!

MINNESOTA WILD TICKETS

I found a great website for buying Minnesota Wild Tickets. Ticket King is a locally owned Minnesota Ticket Broker which specializes in Minnesota Wild NHL Tickets at the Xcel Energy Center. The Xcel ticket office is totally sold out on most games...so, if you are looking to buy Minnesota Wild Tickets or even if you have extra tickets to sell - check out http://www.ticketkingonline.com/. This site definitely has the best prices and biggest selection on MN Wild Tickets to EVERY game...my favorite part about the site, there are no sold out games! I use them because I can't afford to buy an entire season (and the waiting list sucks) and no matter how hard I try, I can never get tickets to the best games from the Xcel, so ticketking is definitely the best bet at getting the seats I want. If you purchase tickets, please tell them you were referred by me - MNWildFreak!!!!!!!

BIG WIN FOR MINNESOTA WILD!

I was very impressed with the showing by the Minnesota Wild on Friday versus the Colorado Avalanche. It is awfully early in the season to call a game a "must win" but that game sure felt like one. The Avalanche are hot on the heels of the Wild for a playoff spot and they have had the Wilds number this year. That all changed on Friday. The Minnesota Wild outplayed the Avalanche at the Pepsi Center and came away with two big points which moved them further ahead of the Avalanche and even closer to first place in their division. Every time I think that his team has no heart, they rise to the occasion with a big win and Friday was no exception. GO WILD!!!

If I Were a Hockey Player . . .

I saw this fun survey on another blog and I just can't resist reposting it with my own answers.

If I Were a Hockey Player:
Team: Minnesota Wild (gotta play in the state of hockey)
Uniform Number: 17 (the number of letters in my name)
Position: Right Wing or Center
Nickname: My current beer league teammates would call me “Whiskers”
Dream Linemates: Wayne Gretzky at Center, Mario Lemieux and Bobby Orr
Rounding out the team: Bobby Hull, Phil Esposito and Dino Cicerelli for good times sake
Job: Scoring short handed while trying to kill a penalty because Phil punched out the other team
Signature Move: the wrap around – I am so fast no goalie can keep up
Strengths: Speed, Passing and Puck Handling
Weakness: Checking Ability - being under 6' and all
Injury Problems: my tricky knee – definitely not a groin (Gaborik, you baby!)
Equipment: matching Bauer gear, all the way
Nemesis: Getting checked into the boards by the big boys
Scandal Involvement: Selling my tickets to an escort service, I swear I thought they were for charity
Who I'd face in the Stanley Cup Finals: Dallas Stars – I gotta show everyone I can beat Mike Modano
What I'd do with the Stanley Cup after our victory: Use it to dump beer over the heads of all my friends AND foes
Would the media love me or hate me? They'd love me!

BRIAN ROLSTON IS A SUPERSTAR

We as Minnesota Wild fans knew it while everyone else in the world was clueless until yesterday. The NHL All Star game was the official superstar coming out party for Minnesota Wild forward Brian Rolston. Give me a break, two goal and two assists. It was exactly the diversion that I needed as a fan of the Wild. It allowed me for a day to forget about the Wild's mildly disappointing season. For those of you who didn't catch the NHL All Star game and aren't fans of the Minnesota Wild, I want to introduce you to a true hockey superstar... Brian Rolston.

Minnesota Wild is playing soft

I am very disappointed with the lack of physical play by the Minnesota Wild. It really feels like my favorite NHL team is getting pushed around. I am sick of watching the opposition man handle Gaborik and the rest of the skill players on the team. I feel like it is about time for someone to establish himself as a bonafide physical player. Every once in a while, Boogard comes in and throws his body around but the problem is he isn't on the ice enough to make a real difference. It is cool to have the best fighter in the league but I would also enjoy watching a few of the Wild players take the body more often and more importantly take out any player that goes after Gaborik.

Awestruck by Marian Gaborik

I am completely awestruck by Marian Gaborik and his speed. The first period just ended in the Minnesota Wild game versus the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wild is up 1 - 0 thanks to superstar Gaborik. It is so fun to watch Gaborik kick it int second gear and blow by an opponent on way to scoring a goal. The Blackhawks defenseman looked completely defenseless while he watch Gaborik skate away from him en route to scoring. Thanks to the NHL god for making Gaborik a member of the Wild!

Injury bug hits the Wild again

I am starting to wonder what is in the water in St. Paul, Minnesota. Just when the Minnesota Wild got back to full strength, the injury bug struck again. The prognosis doesn't sound good for Todd White and Kurtis Foster. I would be surprised if they are back this month by the looks of things. I hope that the team isn't jinxed. Carney & Parrish, who were also hurt in the loss to Edmonton will be back this weekend. It is really hard to get a true feel for the team when there are constantly injuries to key contributors. Wouldn't it be fun to have the Wild play at full-strength for 10 games in a row. Be careful drinking the Xcel Energy Center water, it may put you on the shelf!

I found an excellent site to buy Minnesota Wild Tickets on. Ticket King definitely has the best prices and the biggest selection on Wild Tickets at the Xcel Energy Center. Check them out if the main box office is sold out!

Welcome Back Minnesota Wild

I just wanted to welcome back the Minnesota Wild. Not only have they gotten the "on the road monkey" off of their backs, they have also started to get favorable calls. I am not sure what the review officials were looking at on the shoot out goal, but it sure looked like it should have been a Blackhawks goal to me. Why is it when you get on a roll, you get the calls and when you are in a rut you get hosed by the refs? I guess that I don't care what the answer is, I am just happy to have my favorite team back. GO WILD!!!

No Wild on TV tonight?

Help, I am bored. Who had the bright idea to not televise the Minnesota Wild vs. Edmonton Oilers game on 1/12? I was so fired up to watch this game...but had to read about it on the internet! It felt like the Minnesota Wild that we all expected to see at the beginning of the year was finally back! The Wild totally dominated the Canucks last night and it felt like the Manny of old was back. The 2 circus stops that he made in the first period last night (thank you sportscenter) were reminiscent of saves that he made last year. Enough of the praise...Who decides whether a Wild game is on TV and more importantly why the *$#! isn't it on TV? I am pissed!!!

Do you feel like you are on Candid Camera?

The first period just ended in the game between the Minnesota Wild and arch rival Vancouver Canucks. I have totally enjoyed watching the game but I can't help but ask a few questions. Who are the players in the Wild jerseys and where were they a few days ago in their game against the Calgary Flames? Why can't Manny Fernandez and the Minnesota Wild always play like they did in the first period of this game? the bottom line is that according to Wildpuckbanter, "If the Wild continue their losing ways, Vancouver will extend its lead and the Wild will slip into the abyss that is the bottom tier of the Western Conference." None of us want to see that. I just hope that I am not on Candid Camera and the Minnesota Wild will end up choking this 2 to 0 lead away. GO WILD!!!

2007 Wild season might be a failed experiment

It is becoming more and more evident to me that the 2007 Minnesota Wild season is becoming a failed experiment in free agency. We are more than 1/2 of the way through the season and the Minnesota Wild is floundering around 8th spot in their conference. This is barely better than where they stood last year at this time. Gone are the days of blaming their mediocrity on the lack of payroll. I am curious as to what the explanation will be for this version of the Minnesota Wild not making the playoffs. I would say that we are at the point where the Minnesota Wild had better get rolling or it is time to start dumping their overpaid player salaries on some other NHL team. This is beginning to remind me of the days of Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell on the Minnesota Timberwolves. At some point the Timberwolves front office realized that it wasn't working and purged themselves of high priced and over the hill talent in order to build for the future. Maybe, the Minnesota Wild should do the same. I long for the days of the Minnesota Wild being mediocre with a low payroll. At least we didn't expect them to win. GO WILD!!!

Gaborik - Where are you?

Is anyone else sick and tired of Gaborik being hurt? I am to the point where I can’t remember him as a player...he has been hurt for so long (I will post his mugshot just in case anyone else has forgotten, too!)

Has it reached a point where we as fans need to accept the fact that Gaborik is “soft?” I am starting to think that we do. I have never seen a guy turn a relatively minor injury into a cause for season ending concern. I concede that I am not a world class hockey player (but I did play in high school and college) but I surely wouldn’t allow a minor groin injury to prevent me from playing and earning the millions of dollars on my contract. All I have to say is...it is time for Mr. Gaborik to put on his “big girl panties,” lace up his skates, and do what he is paid big buck$ to do; PLAY HOCKEY...Gaborik, we look forward to your return.

Minnesota Wild has their moxie back

Just when I was about to give up on the Minnesota Wild, they got their act together. The Minnesota Wild beat the Might Ducks who are one of the best teams in the NHL on 12/31. The team then totally dominated the Atlanta Thrashers on 1/2, another excellent NHL team. I am not sure whether this little roll is just due to the fact that they are playing at the Xcel Energy Center or that they actually have simply returned to their early season form. Whatever it is, I am glad that they are back and playing like we all had hoped that they would play this year. It can't hurt the morale of the team that Gaborik is rumored to be returning to the ice later this week. It feels like the Minnesota Wild has gotten their slump out of the way. I have a warning for the rest of the NHL: Look out for the Minnesota WIld!!!