Minnesota Wild 2014-15 Season Preview
Apr 28, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward
Zach Parise
(11) celebrates his goal with forward
Mikko Koivu
(9) during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche in game six of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Avalanche 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
MINNESOTA WILD
2013-14 RECAP
The Minnesota Wild overcame some goaltending issues (mainly injuries) and managed to hold onto a Wild Card playoff spot. They upset the division-winning Colorado Avalanche in 7 games in the first round before falling to the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the post-season.
Apr 10, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward
Thomas Vanek
(20) skates before the game against the New York Islanders at the Bell Centre. The New YorkIslanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
CHANGES
IN – Thomas Vanek, Jordan Schroeder
OUT- Dany Heatley, Matt Moulson
Essentially trading Vanek for Moulson (who went back to the Buffalo Sabres, the Wild let Heatley walk without offering him a contract. The roster remains intact, and is still growing into its own. It was no surprise Vanek went to Minnesota where he went to college and has a home, but he needs to up his game from where it was last season if the Wild are going to get value for their money.
Sep 17, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (55) looks to pass during the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Xcel Energy Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Wild 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
3 BIG QUESTIONS
1. Is this they year of Dumba? – Matthew Dumba had a start to his NHL career, but played just 13 games before being sent back to the WHL Portland Winter Hawks to complete his junior career. Dumba is ultra talented and just needs to put all the pieces together and he has the tools to be a dominant defenseman in the league, whether it be this year or next.
2. Is Erik Haula the real deal? – The speedy winger came out of nowhere and became one of the surprises of the NHL playoffs. He could be one of the fastest players in the league and it remains to be seen whether or not he can handle the grind of a full NHL season.
3. Can Niklas Backstrom hold the fort – A recent injury to Josh Harding that will last well into the season will make Backstrom the default starter. Backstrom has struggled with injuries and less than stellar play which opened the door for Harding in the first place.
May 9, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward
Erik Haula(56) celebrates his goal with defenseman
Jonas Brodin(25) following the game against the Chicago Blackhawks in game four of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
PREDICTION
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The Wild have a young core that is only going to get better, led by Charlie Coyle, Jason Zucker, Mikael Granlund and Jonas Brodin. Combine that with the veteran experience and leadership of Zach Parise, Ryan Suter and Mikko Koivu and they have most of the ingredients in place. They were a playoff team last season, and I see no reason why they won’t be once again this year.
4th CENTRAL DIVISION