Minnesota Wild went tough, but won’t endure

It is interesting to this MN Wild Freak that the Minnesota Wild didn’t extend a contract to either Aaron Voros or Todd Fedoruk, both Minnesota Wild tough guys. It surprises me because the Wild went so tough last year and then what? Decided to change direction? I don’t know. They drafted physical defenseman Tyler Cuma, but why not try to keep Voros or Fedoruk to insure enough muscle on the ice for the immediate next season. It seems worthless to put together a tough team and then let it fall apart so quickly.

As far as skill players go, the Minnesota Wild still haven’t sealed a deal with Brian Rolston. It appears Rolston is looking for a bigger offer and hoping to get one post July 1st. Keep checking my hockey wilderness blog for Minnesota Wild Roster updates!

Top 5 Positives for Minnesota Wild Season

Here is a list of the five positives I have taken away from the 2008 Minnesota Wild Season:

1. The emergence of Mikko Koivu as a bona fide star.
2. The continued development of Brent Burns into a top tier NHL Defenseman.
3. Winning the Northwest Division.
4. The defining of Stephane Veilleux as a "Grinder."
5. The play of Todd Fedoruk as both a "Scorer" as well as a "Heavyweight."

2008 Wild Season a Disappointment!

I just spent a few minutes reflecting on the 2008 Minnesota Wild Season and I came to the conclusion that it was a total disappointment. I tried very hard to look at the positives but whenever I did, my mind went straight back to the first round NFL Playoff loss to the Colorado Avalanche. I as a Wild fan (freak), was not looking for moral victories like winning the division because at the beginning of the year I thought this team would contend for the Stanley Cup. It is going to be a long summer for the Minnesota Wild and the fans of the Minnesota Wild because of the early NHL playoff exit. If the team doesn't take the next step next year, the Minnesota Wild may have issues continuing their sell-out streak and Minnesota Wild tickets will no longer be a coveted item.

Wild Playoff Roster Decisions

Now that we know that it will be Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the NHL Playoffs, it will be interesting to see what the Wild's roster will look like. I am certain that Simon, Boogaard and Fedoruk would have suited up had the Minnesota Wild played the Calgary Flames in the first round. However, I am not as certain that the trio of tough guys will all suit up against Joe Sakic and the Colorado Avalanche. On one hand, the Avalanche tend to play a more up tempo style which doesn't suit guys like Boogaard. On the other hand, last year with the Anaheim Ducks, we saw how important a strong physical presence is in the playoffs. They were able to neutralize the speed of the Marian Gaborik and the Minnesota Wild by intimidating them through their physical play. That style of game seems to really work in the playoffs. This year, it will be fun to watch the Minnesota Wild push instead of be pushed. GO WILD!!!

Chris Simon Era

Before you get your undies in a bundle, over the acquisition of Chris Simon, please take a look at the Minnesota Wild's record since Chris Simon joined the Wild. After tonight's impressive yet close victory over the Florida Panthers, the Minnesota Wild is 2-0 since adding Chris Simon to the roster. Is it a coincidence? Being a glass is half full guy, I say that it isn't a coincidence. The Minnesota Wild was in a slump prior to adding him and are now on a roll since he started suiting up. The "skill players" seem to be playing with more confidence. I just hope that Boogaard comes back so I can see a line consisting of Boogaard, Fedoruk and Simon! GO WILD!!!

Where is the Killer Instinct?

The Minnesota Wild had a chance to put a nail in the Vancouver Canucks' coffin tonight but instead they came out flat and lost to the Canucks in overtime. So, instead of being up eight points on Vancouver in the standings, they are only up five points which is in striking distance. I don't understand how the Minnesota Wild could not be fired up beyond belief for tonight's NHL game but they weren't. At this point in the season, I still don't have a good feel for whether the Minnesota Wild has what it takes to go on a long NHL Playoff run. I would like to buy Minnesota Wild Playoff tickets this year so I hope they have what it takes!

I also wish someone would drill Matt Cooke. There are very few NHL players that I despise as much as Matt Cooke. For some reason, the referees are blind to his "cheap shots" and his instigating ways. It would be really fun to watch someone (Fedoruk) kick his butt!

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.