Rounds 2-7: Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., (NHL Network); doors open for fans at 8 a.m.
Tickets: All tickets for Friday's first round have been reserved; tickets for Saturday's session are available. For information, go to www.wild.com.
Wild picks: 10 (first round), 71 (3rd), 101 (4th), 131 (5th), 161 (6th), 191 (7th).
All this information is from the Startribune website
Minnesota Wild fans have always held a special place in their hearts for Derek Boogaard. This was apparent through the memorial service organized for Minnesota Wild fans shortly after Boogaard was found dead in his apartment. Fans converged at the arena on Sunday night with candles and memories to honor the fallen fan favorite. Boogaard played for the Wild from 2005-2009. The event drew around 350 fans.
Until recently, I can't say I had ever heard of Peter Horachek. Peter Horachek has been confirmed as a Minnesota Wild Head Coach candidate and has interviewed for the position. This shows Minnesota Wild fans that Fletcher is truly not keyed in on a veteran coach only.
Craig MacTavish has been interviewed by Minnesota Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher for the vacant head coaching job. MacTavish was also in the running two years ago when Fletcher went for a younger face, Todd Richards. Craig MacTavish coached the Oilers from 2000 to 2009. He got his master’s degree in business from Queen’s University late last year and he has worked for TSN for the past two seasons.
...Sven Baertschi. Who is that you may be asking? Baertschi plays for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League. Sven Baertschi hails from Switzerland and plays left wing. He played in 66 games, notched 34 goals and added 51 assists for 85 points this season. He's 5'10 and weighs 185 lbs. He is just the type of player that the Minnesota Wild need, with a lot of speed, energy, and ability to score.
The Minnesota Wild are in search for a Head Coach. There has not really been any rumors or stories yet linking any lead candidate. There has been some steam with Ken Hitchcock, Lindy Ruff (who is coaching the Buffalo Sabres), Michel Therrien, and Andy Murray. I personally would like to see either Murray or Ruff. However, Ruff is the longest tenured coach right now in the NHL, with the Buffalo Sabres. They were defeated in 7 games last night to the Philadelphia Flyers. I assume there will be more press about the coaching options in the near future.
The Minnesota Wild signed two collegiate players since the season has concluded. The two players are Chay Genoway and Justin Fontaine. Genoway was the captain of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux and plays defense. Although short in stature, Genoway was a force on the blueline for the Sioux and was one of the best defenseman in the WCHA the last few years. Fontaine was a winger for the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, who won their first National Championship this past season. He was a big scorer for the Bulldogs and knew how to bury the puck. Hopefully both of these guys can prove their worth for the Houston Aeros and make their way to the NHL team down the road.
The NHL playoffs are underway. The Minnesota Wild are not involved, unfortunately. I love watching the playoffs because of the intensity and pace. Players will play under any conditions and do whatever it takes to win. Last year, Duncan Keith lost 6 teeth from taking a puck to the face, and still played. On Saturday, Johan Franzen received 21 stitches to the face and stayed in the game. I love it. Here's who I'm hoping wins the Stanley Cup or goes far: 
Todd Richards has been officially relieved of his coaching duties of the Minnesota Wild. He coached the team for 2 seasons, and missed the playoffs both seasons. General Manager Chuck Fletcher must believe the team needs to head in a new direction. I always liked Richards - a Minnesota native who played for the Gophers. However, you can't fire the players and sometimes a change is what's best. I'm eager to see who we can bring in as head coach. Good luck to Mr. Richards in his future endeavors.
