MN Wild Pre-Season Wrap Up

The Wild ended their 2009-2010 preseason on Tuesday with a 5-4 victory over the Flyers. The Wild preseason overall was not the best, with my boys finishing 3-4. Many critics are wondering if the new "up tempo" style that Todd Richards is trying to implement will really work for the Wild Roster.

The Up Tempo game according to MN Wild writer Derek Felska left the MN Wild roster, "outshot and outgunned more often than not. A perfect example of how this up-tempo style is not exactly producing a decidedly more offensively aggressive team is the fact Minnesota was outshot 19 to 32 in their game against Chicago on Friday night, and 18 to 21 against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday of that same week."

Many critics are concerned that after watching the MN Wild struggle through several disappointing losses that could have been avoided and two one goal games, Todd Richards may have tried to change too much, too fast. I for one think that the preseason was a good chance for TR and the rest of the Wild to get the kinks worked out and now it is time to start judging... my feelings, lets give the new Wild style a chance to work.

MN Wild take on the St. Louis Blues at the X

The Minnesota Wild will play tonight at the Xcel Energy Center against the St. Louis Blues. The game starts at 7:00.

A MN Wild press release said that Wild Head Coach Todd Richards was pleased with the practice yesterday and is looking forward to a Wild Win. Niklas Backstrom, the starting goaltender on the Wild Roster, is expected to play the entire night in the net. Cal Clutterbuck and Martin Havlat are also expected to see ample ice time tonight.

There are still great deals out there for Minnesota Wild Tickets including seats I found online for $10 from online ticket brokerage Ticket King, who has an office located conveniently just a block from the Xcel Energy Center. Tonight's match-up should be a good one, if you are a Wild fan at all don't miss this chance to take advantage of cheap MN Wild Tickets before prices go up!

Go Wild!

Minnesota Wild vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Minnesota Wild took on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, losing 1-5 in a disappointing game. The Wild went the first two periods without scoring, leaving fans biting their nails that the game would be a total shut out. Finally in the third period the MN Wild managed to squeak out a single goal, but with a 4 goal lead the Blue Jackets had the game in the bag.

Minnesota Wild Head Coach Todd Richards probably doesn't have to be too worried just yet. The MN Wild came into this game with 2 Consecutive Shut-Outs. With the season as long as it is, the MN Wild will have to shake off this disappointing loss and look to the future if they expect to play strong going forward. With back to back games later this week the MN Wild will have a shot to prove last night was just a fluke.

Minnesota Wild Players named to several award watch-lists

The 2009-2010 Hockey Award Watch-Lists have been released and several MN Wild roster members appear, with the pre-season quickly approaching it will be interesting to see how these players perform when they start skating....

Vezina Trophy- Top Goaltender
MN Wild Niklas Backstrom was a runner up last year. If he can prove this season that his stats reflect his own talent and not that of a good defense it is likely he will win

Norris Trophy- Top Defensman
a few MN Wild players are in the running but the most likely winner is Brent Burns

Selke Trophy- Top Defensive Forward
MN Wild Mikko Koivu, need I say more


Hart Trophy- League MVP
MN Wild newcome Martin Havlat

Minnesota Wild Training Camp is just days away

The Minnesota Wild will be attending their preseason training camp in 10 short days with the first preseason game on Wednesday September 15th. The Wild's training camp will have a very different look this year with a new general manager, a new head coach and a total shake up on the Wild roster.

Critics are saying that all of the change is good for the wild and likely will help them end the season in higher standing than they did last season. However, I have to wonder if changing everything at once may make it hard to put back together so quickly. Training camp will be an excellent chance to see if the "New Wild" as Todd Richards is calling it is really as good as it has been cracked up to be. With September 15th only two weeks away, I'm one MN Wild fan who can not wait to see if this is the season we end up on the top!