He's BAAACK... Gaborik and the New York Rangers were at the Xcel Energy Center

Love him or hate him, Gaborik was the face of MN Wild Hockey for a long, long time. And he was back, well back for a night at least. The New York Rangers and Gaborik were at the Xcel Energy Center on Friday to play the MN Wild.

The MN Wild were out to prove that they did not need Gaborik... in my opinion they did it. The Wild roster sans Gaborik made it clear that they could win without him, with a final score of 3-2 Wild, I would say they did that. It wasn't a slam dunk win, but no one expected it to be one... Wild fans just wanted to show the rest of the hockey world that the Minnesota Wild were not one player. Mission Accomplished!

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.

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!!!