Minnesota Wild Rallies Against San Jose Sharks

The Minnesota Wild were down 3-2 entering the 3rd period on Wednesday night against the San Jose Sharks. However, the Minnesota Wild erupted for three 3rd period goals en route to a 5-3 victory. Chuck Kobasew, Brent Burns, and Kyle Brodziak all scored in the 3rd period to mount the comeback. Mikko Koivu scored in the 2nd period and Brodziak scored in the 1st period before the rally started. It was a solid victory against a good team. If the Minnesota Wild can play like that for the majority of games then they will be playing in the playoffs.

Jason Zucker Continues To Impress

Under old general manager Doug Risebrough, the drafting for the Minnesota Wild was not strong. Although we had some nice 1st round picks in Marian Gaborik, Brent Burns, Pierre Marc Bouchard, and Mikko Koivu, there were plenty of tougher ones to swallow. Those picks are playing a large part in the last 2 seasons and right now. The team did not do a good enough job of stockpiling talent and the prospect pool. However, Chuck Fletcher has made a point to stockpile as much talent as possible through drafting.

One of the Minnesota Wild's 2nd round picks from 2010 was Jason Zucker, a Las Vegas native. Through the first half of the college season, he ranks 2nd in the WCHA in goals for the Denver Pioneers. He has played great through the first half and was named to the United States World Junior Team (Under 20). In the first game against Finland, he tallied a goal. Keep up with the tournament to check out Minnesota Wild prospect Jason Zucker!

Detroit Red Wings Down Minnesota Wild 4-1

In front of a packed house, the Minnesota Wild did not deliver. The Detroit Red Wings, even without Pavel Datsyuk, defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-1 at the Xcel Energy Center on Sunday night. The Minnesota Wild only had 17 shots in the game and the "boo" birds were out in full force. Attendance for the game was 19,227, the fifth-largest regular-season crowd in Minnesota Wild history. Brent Burns scored the only goal for the Wild, with 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd period. It was his team leading 10th goal of the season, the first Minnesota Wild defenseman to post double digits goal totals in more than one season.

Minnesota Wild Christmas List

I've been a Minnesota Wild fan since they started here. We've had some up and downs like any sports franchise. The "up" moments would be the 2003 magical run to the Western Conference Finals and clinching the Northwest Division in 2008. The "down" years are whenever you feel it is. To get back to the "up" years, or whatever you classify as the status right now, here is my Minnesota Wild Christmas List:

1) In my opinion, right now is a make or break time for the Minnesota Wild. They must find a star player that has the ability to score. Brent Burns and Cal Clutterbuck lead the team with 9 goals...meanwhile Sidney Crosby already has 27 for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2) A lead defenseman that can play two ways. If you notice this statement, this is Brent Burns game. My wish is that we can get another one of these because Burns has to lead the group almost singlehandley. Zidlicky is a good offensive defenseman but is not very reliable in his own end.

3) A center that can shoot and score. Mikko Koivu is a great, great player. However, I think if the Wild are ever going to compete for the Stanley Cup they must find a scoring center that can compete with the teams that score 4 goals a night.

Minnesota Wild 3, Calgary Flames 1

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Calgary Flames 3 to 1 on Saturday night in Calgary. To follow up on that game, the Calgary Flames will now visit the Xcel Energy Center on Monday. Both squads are fighing for a playoff birth after missing the playoffs last season. Marco Scandella is back with the team and is expected to play tonight. I think he has a lot of ability and impressed me last season with Team Canada at the World Juniors Tournament last winter.

Minnesota Wild December Home Games

The Minnesota Wild Hockey team is looking to heat up the ice in some upcoming December Home Games. I have been to a couple games this season and can vouch that these games are a GOOD time! I'm making it easy for you... Below is the list of the upcoming December home games. Get your friends together. Get your tickets. And get your Wild Freak on!


Thursday, December 16:
Wild v Senators

Monday, December 20:
Wild v Flames

Sunday, December 26:
Wild v Red Wings

Wednesday, December 29:
Wild v Sharks

Friday, December 31:
Wild v Predators

Personally, I am excited for the Red Wings game. Those always seem to be fun!

Minnesota Wild get schooled by Ducks in Anaheim

The Brent Burns of Saturday night all but disappeared on Sunday at Honda Center against the Anaheim Ducks. Burnsie managed the first goal for the Wild, but that was about it. The Wild got schooled 6-2 vs. Anaheim thanks to their powerful line of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan.

In fact, Bobby Ryan used Mikko Koivu’s stick to score the 5th Ducks goal. There was a scramble and both Ryan and Koivu dropped their sticks and Ryan grabbed one off the ice and shot the puck and it went in. He then hoisted the stick up to show the Wild what he had done with their stick! Talk about a cursed game and a cursed stick. I hope Mikko takes that stick home and sends it through the wood chipper.

The Wild team and Wild fans are looking forward to watching the Wild play on their home Xcel Energy Center ice on Thursday. It’s a middle of the week game so tickets are pretty cheap – plenty of Wild tickets below face value at local brokers offices like Ticket King St Paul. We will see you at the game!

Wild beat Kings in LA, Brent Burns a Superstar

Saturday night went great for the Minnesota Wild in Los Angeles. Brent Burns was on his “A” game and scored the overtime winning goal as the Wild defeated the Kings 3-2 at Staples Center. Fan favorite Burnsie was on the ice a team-high 28 minutes, 15 seconds and he was a dominant force to be reckoned with. Jose Theodore was in the goal for the Wild and did a great job keeping the Kings in check.

The overtime goal allowed Brent Burns to pass former teammate Marian Gaborik for the Wild team record in OT goals. Burns said this about it:

"I had no idea, I'll have to text Gabby and give him a little rib about it."

Ha ha – take that Gaborik! I wish I could text Gabby, I have a few things I would like to rib him about as well.

Minnesota Wild vs. Los Angeles Kings

The Minnesota Wild will battle against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Kings are 16-10 for 32 points this season. They have young defenseman stud Drew Doughty, who will be a Norris Trophy Candidate for years to come. Center Anze Kopitar is already an elite player in the league and has some of the best hands in the NHL. Get your Minnesota Wild tickets today with Ticket King!

Minnesota Wild 3, Phoenix Coyotes 2

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Phoenix Coyotes by a score of 3-2 in Phoenix on Thursday night. Andrew Brunette scored 2 goals and Brent Burns got the other. The Minnesota Wild built up a 3-1 lead with Andrew Brunette's second goal of the game with 10 minutes left in the 3rd period. Niklas Backstrom made 33 saves for the Minnesota Wild. It was a much needed victory after the Minnesota Wild lost 7 of the last 8 games.

Minnesota Wild lose 4-3 to Dallas North...I mean Dallas Stars

The Minnesota Wild fell to the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime on Saturday night. Antti Miettinen, Chuck Kobasew, and Martin Havlat all scored for the Minnesota Wild. Stephane Robidas scored for the Dallas Stars in overtime on the powerplay to secure the victory. The Minnesota Wild now stand at 11-11-4. They have lost 7 out of their last 8 games. They currently have 26 points through 26 games, the same pace that they had last season after 26 games.

Calgary Flames vs. Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center

The Calgary Flames are making a visit to the Xcel Energy Center tonight. Personally, it is one of my favorite match-ups with the Minnesota Wild. Maybe it is the red and white C jerseys (one of the best in the league I might add). Maybe it is the fact I've been a huge Jarome Iginla fan (one of the best captains in the league). Either way, tonight makes a great game for any hockey or Minnesota Wild fan. Get your Minnesota Wild tickets today! Purchase your Minnesota Wild tickets with Hockey Tickets Minnesota!

The Return of Pierre-Marc Bouchard

This just in: Pierre-Marc Bouchard is expected to PLAY tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Xcel Energy Center. Bouchard has been out of hockey for the last 14 months. He has missed a total of 112 games. In 426 NHL games, Bouchard has recorded 77 goals and 190 assists. It seems like it's been lightyears ago when Pierre-Marc Bouchard last suited up for the Minnesota Wild. He is expected to play on the 4th line and see around 10 minutes. Hopefully it goes well and Bouchard can return to his old self. Welcome back Pierre-Marc Bouchard!

Colorado Avalanche 7, Minnesota Wild 4

The Minnesota Wild were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche 7-4 on Saturday night. Scoring for the Minnesota Wild were Antti Miettinen, Matt Cullen, and Kyle Brodziak (twice). The Colorado Avalanche used a 4-0 second period to take a 5-2 lead heading into the 3rd period. It was a deflating loss for the Wild, who had a nice victory on Friday afternoon against the Nashville Predators. The Minnesota Wild will play the Calgary Flames on Monday in Calgary.

Minnesota Wild vs. Philadelphia Flyers

I must confess, besides the Minnesota Wild, the Philadelphia Flyers are my favorite team in the NHL. Which makes this game tonight extra special. Last season, the Flyers snuck into the playoffs on a shootout in the LAST game of the regular season. They came down from a 3-0 game deficit against the Boston Bruins and a 3-0 score deficit in GAME SEVEN. I mean, that team did not quit. So tonight, the Minnesota Wild square off against the Stanley Cup Runner-Ups. The Flyers boast Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Chris Pronger, and Claude Giroux. Purchase your Minnesota Wild tickets from Ticket King today! Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

New York Rangers Top Minnesota Wild 5-2

Minnesota Wild fans remember Marian Gaborik and Derek Boogaard. Both players entertained the Minnesota crowd for years before signing as free agents with the New York Rangers. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Wild came out flat and were buried 5-2 by the New York Rangers. The Rangers got 3 second period goals and didn't look back. Matt Cullen and Martin Havlat scored for the Minnesota Wild but it was too little too late. The Minnesota Wild were outshot 17-4 in the 2nd period, something that they need to quickly fix.

Minnesota Wild Defeat Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in OT

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in overtime on Friday night. Back up goaltender Jose Theodore stopped 41 shots. Scoring for the Minnesota Wild was Brent Burns, Cal Clutterbuck, Mikko Koivu, and John Madden. Koivu scored with a little over a minute left in regulation to send the game into overtime. John Madden put home a rebound with 40 seconds left in overtime to win the game. It was a fun game to watch and gave the Wild 3 straight victories at 10-6-2.

Minnesota Wild Defeat Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1

The Minnesota Wild got back on the win column with a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Wild scored 3 goals in the first period, with Cal Clutterbuck, John Madden, and Antti Miettinen lighting the lamp. Eric Nystrom sealed the victory for an empty-netter and his 1st goal of the season. Martin Havlat chipped in 3 assists. The win left the Minnesota Wild with a 2-2 away trip. Next up is the Anaheim Ducks at home on Wednesday, November 17th. Get your Minnesota Wild tickets at Ticket King!

Minnesota Wild Lose to Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers

The Minnesota Wild were fresh of a 3 game win streak. However, that success could not duplicate and they were defeated by the Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers. On Thursday, the Atlanta Thrashers took it to the Minnesota Wild by a score of 5-1. The next night, the Minnesota Wild lost to the Florida Panthers 2-1. Defenseman Brent Burns was suspended 2 games for an after the game skirmish. After watching the Atlanta Thrashers game, I was proud to be a Minnesota Wild fan since it looked there was about 1,000 people at the game. I'm glad that we are blessed at the "State of Hockey".

Minnesota Wild Win 3 In a Row

The Minnesota Wild have won 3 in a row. They have defeated the San Jose Sharks (1-0), the Calgary Flames (2-1), and Columbus Blue Jackets (3-2). They currently have 16 points through 13 games and are in 2nd place in the Division. Brent Burns and Niklas Backstrom have played great thus far and could be on their way to All-Star Game appearances if they keep it up. This week the Minnesota Wild will play at the Atlanta Thrashers (Thursday) and Florida Panthers (Friday).

Minnesota Wild Lose to Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-1 on Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center. Marek Zidlicky was the lone goal scorer for the Wild. Troy Brouwer had a goal and assist for the Chicago Blackhawks. Marty Turco had 25 saves after being benched. The game was a sellout at the X and now will host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. So far, the Wild are 4-4-2 for 10 points.

Minnesota Wild Defeat Washington Capitals 2-1

The Alexander Ovechkin show came through St. Paul last night. However, it wasn't the show that they had in mind. The Minnesota Wild slugged out a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. The Capitals superstar, Ovechkin, scored the team's only goal. Chuck Kobasew and Mikko Koivu scored for the Minnesota Wild. It was a solid victory for the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom made 21 saves.

Minnesota Wild Lose 5-1 to Vancouver Canucks

The Minnesota Wild were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 on Saturday night. The Vancouver Canucks scored the first 4 goals of the game and the Wild were not able to mount a comeback. Antii Miettinen was the lone goal scorer for the Minnesota Wild. The loss caps a wild week for the Wild and Canucks. Vancouver goon Rick Rypien was suspended 6 games after grabbing a Minnesota Wild fan when he was headed to the locker room. The Minnesota Wild will now play the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night at the Xcel Energy Center.

Minnesota Wild Defeat Edmonton Oilers 4-2

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 on Thursday night thanks in large part to a 3 goal 1st period. Kyle Brodziak scored twice to open up the period and Guillaume Latendresse added another in the 1st. The Oilers made it interesting in the 3rd period when it was 3-2 until Brent Burns put home an empty-netter from the opposite end of the rink. It was a nice all around game by the Wild and they will now play at Vancouver tonight.

Minnesota Wild Down Vancover Canucks 6-2, Fan Gets Shoved

The Minnesota Wild trounced the Vancouver Canucks 6-2 on Tuesday night, however that isn't the headline after the game. The headline happens to be Canuck forward Rick Rypien who grabbed a Minnesota Wild fan after he was headed to the dressing room. In any sport, athletes are not allowed to touch fans. Rypien has already been indefinitely suspended and will have a hearing on Friday to determine how long. For the game itself - the Wild had 6 different goal scorers and built a 6-1 lead midway through the 2nd period. Zidlicky, Clutterbuck, Latendresse, Madden, Brunette, and Cullen scored for Minnesota. Talk about goals!

Minnesota Wild Fall to Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2

The Minnesota Wild lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 at home on Saturday night. RJ Umberger scored a shorthanded goal in the 3rd period and that proved to be the game-winner. Brent Burns and Cal Clutterbuck scored for the Minnesota Wild. The announced attendance of the Xcel Energy Center was 17,336. That is the Wild's first non-capacity crowd for a regular-season game in franchise history. Next up is the Vancouver Canucks at the Xcel Enery Center on Tuesday.

Matt Cullen Impressive So Far

Minnesota native Matt Cullen has looked impressive so far wearing a Wild uniform. He has scored 2 goals and added 2 assists for 4 points through 3 games. He has showed good poise and hockey IQ in his Wild debut. If Cullen can become a point-per game player here, it would be a huge upgrade from last season. He has a good, hard shot and looks like he will be at the top of the power play. Hopefully his scoring will be contagious with the team.

Minnesota Wild Defeat Edmonton Oilers 4-2

The Minnesota Wild won their home opener on Thursday night at the Xcel Energy Center. Mikko Koivu notched 2 goals and an assist. He was the best player on the ice last night and played like an All-Star. Antti Miettinen put the Wild on the board in the first period, on a beautiful Andrew Brunette pass. Koivu scored both goals in the 2nd period to build a 3-2 Wild lead. Minnesota native Matt Cullen scored a powerplay goal from the point in the 3rd period to seal the game at 4-2. Koivu nearly missed an empty-netter for the hat trick. Next up is the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Xcel Energy Center.

Minnesota Wild Home Opener October 14th

This Thursday, the Minnesota Wild will have their home opener against the Edmonton Oilers. the Oilers are 2-0 with wins against the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers. The Xcel Energy Center is not expected to continue to sellout streak that many Minnesota Wild fans are used to, but that doesn't mean the Minnesota Wild will quit. The team must rely on sound defense, depth, and timely scoring. For any Minnesota Wild tickets, check out Ticket King!

Minnesota Wild Lose 2-1 in Shootout

The Minnesota Wild lost 2-1 in a shootout to the Carolina Hurricanes. The lone scorer was Andrew Brunette, in the first period on the power play. All 3 Wild shooters were stopped in the shootout with Mikko Koivu, Brent Burns, and Antti Meittinen. It wasn't a great start to the season and head coach Todd Richards is probably feeling the hot seat, as most of the media believes a poor start could result in his firing. The Wild will host the Edmonton Oilers on October 14th at the Xcel Energy Center.

Minnesota Wild lose to Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in NHL Opener

The first NHL game played in the 2010-2011 season was played yesterday. The Minnesota Wild were defeated 4-3 to the Carolina Hurricanes. Scoring for the Minnesota Wild were Guillaume Latendresse, Matt Cullen, and Brent Burns. The Wild scored first 3 minutes into the game but the Hurricanes responded with 3 goals in the 2nd period. A 4-2 lead proved too much to overcome. They will play again today in Helsinki, Finland. Former Wild draft pick Nick Leddy played 20 minutes for the Chicago Blackhawks in his NHL debut as well last night.

Minnesota Wild Arrive in Finland

The Minnesota Wild have arrived in Finland over the weekend. The team was selected by the NHL because of their Finnish roots - Mikko Koivu is currently the face of the Finland national team as well as the Minnesota Wild, accompanied by Antii Miettinen and Niklas Backstrom. Not to mention the Wild drafted Finnish native Mikael Granlund in the first round this year of the NHL Draft. They are playing a Finnish League team today and will take on the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday and Friday to kick off the NHL season.

Josh Harding Out For Season With Torn ACL/MCL

Back up Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding is out for the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in his right knee. St. Louis Blues forward Brad Boyes landed awkwardly on Harding and collided with his right knee in the crease. Anton Khudobin will likely take over the new back up role, a draftee from the 7th round in 2004. After the collision, Harding was in severe pain and told reporters he had heard a "pop". Best of luck to a quick recovery for Josh.

Minnesota Wild Lose 5-1, Sell-Out Streak Over

The Minnesota Wild scored first but that didn't matter - the St. Louis Blues responded with 5 unanswered goals and were victorious 5-1. Martin Havlat scored 42 seconds into the game but that lead was quickly erased. However, it's just a preseason game so don't read too much into it. Note - With an announced crowd of 16,219, the Wild had its consecutive sellout streak snapped at 409. It was the first non-sellout at any Wild game in franchise history including preseason, regular-season and postseason.

Minnesota Wild Start Preseason This Week

The Minnesota Wild will start their Preseason this Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues at the Xcel Energy Center. The offseason moved quickly and it's hard to believe that the hockey season is right around the corner. The Minnesota Wild will get some looks at some young faces for the preseason that have a chance to make the team. Those faces include Marco Scandella, Tyler Cuma, Nate Prosser, and Casey Wellman. The Minnesota Wild will hope for an injury-free preseason.

Minnesota Wild Prospects Win Traverse City Prospects Tournament

The Minnesota Wild prospects defeated the Detroit Red Wings prospects 3-1 in the Traverse City Prospect Tournament Wednesday night. Minnesota goalie Matt Hackett had 30 saves, and Cody Almond, J.T. Barnett, and Marco Scandella scored. Hopefully this can carry into training camp where some of these players have the chance to earn a spot on the NHL squad. Congratulations to the Minnesota Wild prospects for their Traverse City Championship!

Minnesota Wild Name Darby Hendrickson Assistant Coach

The Minnesota Wild have named former player Darby Hendrickson an assistant coach to the organization. He has been a Fox Sports North analyst the last few seasons but will return to the bench this season. Hendrickson is a Richfield, Minnesota native who played for the Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota Wild. Head Coach Todd Richards said he thinks Hendrickson will fit just right in because "he's a young guy, energetic, a guy recently retired from the game." Welcome aboard, Darby.

Preseason Countdown: 12 Days

The Minnesota Wild kick off the preseason on September 22nd at the Xcel Energy Center against the St. Louis Blues. Pretty crazy that hockey is only 12 days away. None the less, I am excited for another season to get underway. The Minnesota Wild will start the season in Finland against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 7th. With some new faces this year, the Minnesota Wild will be looking to get back into the playoffs after a 2 year hiatus. Go Wild!

James Sheppard out 3-4 Months

According to the Star Tribune, Minnesota Wild center James Sheppard will be out 3-4 months with a knee injury sustained from an ATV accident in Vail, Colorado. He has already undergone surgery and head coach Todd Richards claimed it happened on James Sheppard's kneecap. After signing a one year contract with the team in the offseason, the road to building a solid reputation in the NHL will have to be even longer. Sheppard was drafted 9th overall in 2006 and has registered 49 points in 224 games.

Houston Aeros Will Play at Xcel Energy Center on Hockey Day Minnesota

On February 12, the Minnesota Wild's AHL affiliate the Houston Aeros will be playing at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Aeros will be there for Hockey Day Minnesota and will take on the Peoria Rivermen at 2:30 PM. The Peoria Rivermen are the St. Louis Blues' AHL affiliate. The St. Louis Blues will be playing the Minnesota Wild later that night, at 8:00 PM. This will be the 3rd time that the Houston Aeros will be playing in St. Paul.

Minnesota Wild Have 10 National Televised Games

Yesterday, it was announced that the Minnesota Wild would have a franchise record 10 appearances on national television for the 2010-2011 season. They will have 9 appearances on VERSUS and 1 on NBC. The 10 national televised games are:

October 7 vs. Carolina (Helsinki, Finland) - Versus

October 8 vs. Carolina (Helsinki, Finland) - Versus

October 25 vs. Los Angeles - Versus

November 2 vs. San Jose - Versus

December 27 vs. Columbus - Versus

January 4 vs. New Jersey - Versus

February 16 vs. Chicago - Versus

February 20 vs. Detroit - NBC

February 28 vs. Chicago - Versus
March 8 vs. Colorado - Versus

For any Minnesota Wild tickets check out Hockey Tickets Minnesota!

The Minnesota Wild Need Martin Havlat to Improve

In the 2008-2009 season, Martin Havlat notched 77 points with the Chicago Blackhawks. After Marian Gaborik left via free agency after that season, the Wild signed Havlat to a 6 year deal worth $30 million to try to replace the void Gaborik left. In his first season with the Minnesota Wild, Havlat scored 18 goals and 36 assists for 54 points. If the Minnesota Wild want to get back into the playoffs and become an elite team in the NHL, they will need Havlat to contribute more than his 54 point campaign. Can he breakout this season? Can he match his 77 point season with Chicago? We will see.

Can Guillaume Latendresse Make the Next Leap?

In 55 games last season with the Minnesota Wild, 23 year-old Guillaume Latendresse scored 25 goals and notched 12 assists. Along with Mikko Koivu, he was the team's best player since he arrived. Going into the upcoming season, we will find out if Latendresse can build on his rookie campaign with the Minnesota Wild. If he can make another leap and increase his production, Latendresse will be a force. He clearly has the talent and ability to. He has a knack around the net and a goal scorer's touch. The main line of Koivu, Latendresse, and Martin Havlat will be relied on a lot for production.

Minnesota Wild's Biggest Need?

The Minnesota Wild have missed the playoffs the last 2 seasons. In "The State of Hockey" the expectations are always high. My question is what is the Minnesota Wild's biggest need? My answer is a young goal scorer (sounds simple enough, right?). They need a energetic and exciting player that Minnesota Wild fans can count on for a big goal. Marian Gaborik was the old franchise player but it was obvious the disconnect that was felt in his last season here. If the Wild can attain a young goal scoring wing than that would do wonders for the franchise. The Wild strive on discipline and defense, and with a true goal scorer to compliment Martin Havlat and Mikko Koivu, would be great for the franchise.

Rick Wilson Named Minnesota Wild Assistant Coach

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Wild announced the hiring of new assistant coach Rick Wilson. Last season, Rick Wilson was the assistant coach at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Prior to his Tampa Bay stint, he coached at the Dallas Stars for 16 seasons as an assistant coach and interim head coach in the 2002 season for the Dallas Stars. He guided the team to a 13-11-7 record during his head coaching tenure. He spent one season with the Minnesota North Stars in 1992-1993 before the team moved to Dallas. During his coaching career at Dallas, the team won seven division titles, two Western Conference Championships, two President's Trophies, and one Stanley Cup in 1999. Welcome aboard Rick Wilson! For any Minnesota Wild tickets visit Ticket King!

Also - shout out to my fan Juri from Germany!

Minnesota Wild sign John Madden

No, not the NFL Legend. The Minnesota Wild signed veteran forward John Madden to a 1 year $1 million contract. He is 37 and had played for the New Jersey Devils for 9 seasons until playing with the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Madden is considered a defensive specialist and a great locker room guy. He's also been a great penalty killer and has the ability to score shorthanded goals. Last season he played in 79 games and recorded 23 points with the Stanley Cup winning Blackhawks. Welcome aboard John Madden!

Minnesota Wild Prospects

In the NHL, it is very important to build up your prospect pool. Having impact prospects allows teams to have consistency and collect young talent to build a franchise on. The Minnesota Wild will have to rely on their prospects to elevate their play after back to back playoff misses and hope to gather as much young talent as they can. Here are the Minnesota Wild's top prospects, according to Hockey's Future:

1. Tyler Cuma, D

2. Marco Scandella, D

3. Colton Gillies, LW

4. Matt Hackett, G

5. Maxim Noreau, D

Wes Walz or Darby Hendrickson for Assistant Coach?

Minnesota Wild Assistant Coach Mike Ramsey stepped down from his position earlier this summer. Ramsey had been with the Minnesota Wild since the start of the franchise. Some names that have been mentioned as a possible replacement include former Minnesota Wild fan favorite Wes Walz and former Mr. Hockey, Minnesota Gopher, and Minnesota Wild player, Darby Hendrickson. The Star Tribune mentioned the two names but clearly it is all speculative. I would approve of either hire, as both coaches would bring a younger attitude and have played for the organization. To purchase any Minnesota Wild tickets next season check out Ticket King!

Captain Mikko Koivu Signs 7 Year Extension

Last week, Minnesota Wild Captain Mikko Koivu signed a 7 year $47 million deal to stay with the franchise. He will be under contract with the Wild until he is 35 years old and through the 2017-2018 season. His old contract was up and the Minnesota Wild would have been devastated if Mikko Koivu had left, after losing Brian Rolston and Marian Gaborik via free agency years before. Last season Mikko Koivu scored 71 points and he is consistently one of the best defensive forwards in the game. He is the Minnesota Wild's top center.

Minnesota Wild Interested in Mike Modano

Mike Modano could have been a longtime Minnesota fan favorite. That changed when the Minnesota North Stars moved the franchise to Dallas. Now, after playing the last 16 seasons for the Dallas Stars, it appears the Minnesota Wild are making a pitch for the veteran to play a season in Minnesota. Mike Modano's contract expired with the Dallas Stars and he is pending retirement or playing one more season. The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks have also reached out to Mike Modano. He is 40 years old and the Dallas Stars already stated they will not be retaining #9.