2022 MN WILD/NHL THREAD

You’re welcome Wild/Fiala fans!

Fiala!!!

So the wild are the top team in the entire league. THE ENTIRE LEAGUE.

Yes, I know this will change because we will lose a few games eventually but I wanted to say it as I’m not sure when the next time we’ll get to say this will be. With how we are rolling and how our team atmosphere is now, this could be the new normal – injuries permitting of course.

Here are some stats for those that don’t pay attention as much. Aside from the record and points column, I find the gf and differential the biggest thing that we just have not seen in the wild organization ever. In Billy we trust!! And Deano too.

Charlie W wrote:

Here are some stats for those that don’t pay attention as much. Aside from the record and points column, I find the gf and differential the biggest thing that we just have not seen in the wild organization ever. In Billy we trust!! And Deano too.

I don’t have a way to watch them very often. Listen when I can. But, have been following their stats, team and players. They are the real deal for sure. I hope they can sustain with minimal injuries. It helps that they’re such a balanced team.

Joe Jarl wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Charlie W wrote:</div>
Here are some stats for those that don’t pay attention as much. Aside from the record and points column, I find the gf and differential the biggest thing that we just have not seen in the wild organization ever. In Billy we trust!! And Deano too.

It was just 3 weeks ago where I pointed out the Wild had a +1 goal differential and that was after beating a team by like 5 goals. Look what they’ve done since! Its pretty remarkable.

fishinfreaks wrote:

If it’s working for Khulikov, I’m thinking Fiala needs to start using Rask’s stick.

Im drawing a blank, but there was a player last year who scored with Rasks stick when theirs broke and they went to the bench for replacement. Who was that? Foligno? I remember it being hilarious.

Rask’s stock has gone up recently he is playing quite well. Had a pipe clanger last night and seems to be moving his feet a lot more than in the past. Greenway’s stock is also rising. Hopefully Fiala starts a upward trend.
I think a rising tide lifts all ships is good descriptor here. Everyone is getting in on the fun.

As tight as what the locker room is or at least that’s what we are being told I don’t see a need for any trade activity. Why risk even the slightest bit of disruption. I hope BG continues to ride this horse as is.

I think it was Greenway who scored with rasks stick last year on a breakaway after grabbing it from the bench. He even did an interview after the game about it.

Ice Cap wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>KP wrote:</div>
Has there been any discussion about any team relocating in the NHL?

Wouldn’t it be fun if Wisconsin had a NHL team?

I’m a Wisconsin guy and cheer for most Wisconsin teams but if Wisconsin got a team say in Milwaukee, I would still cheer for the Wild. Been a fan for a long time and man this has to be one of the best teams to watch the Wild have had.

Did anyone see Greenway outmuscle Burns last night. Pretty sweet. This is what we need from him on every shift.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

You’re welcome Wild/Fiala fans!

Nicely done! I know it’ s a big ask, but we’re going to need this effort from you the rest of the season.

Another solid win by Wild. I like their new way of scoring early instead of playing catch up.

On a side note why was the arena in san jose almost empty last night?

Justin riegel wrote:

On a side note why was the arena in san jose almost empty last night?

I noticed that as well. Maybe because of Covid or the fan base only attends when the team is doing well?

tswoboda wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>JoeMX1825 wrote:</div>
You’re welcome Wild/Fiala fans!

Nicely done! I know it’ s a big ask, but we’re going to need this effort from you the rest of the season.

I have a lot of faith in Joe.

When was the last time the Wild led the league in goals for? I guessing its never, this team is so fun to watch. I didnt watch a second of the game last night but watching it now. Great to see Fiala get one finally.

tswoboda wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>JoeMX1825 wrote:</div>
You’re welcome Wild/Fiala fans!

Nicely done! I know it’ s a big ask, but we’re going to need this effort from you the rest of the season.

I model my game after Victor Rask, sit in the press box for 8 games, play 2 games and score, then leave on a high and go sit in the press box again…It’s the George Costanza line of thinking!

JoeMX1825 wrote:

I model my game after Victor Rask, sit in the press box for 8 games, play 2 games and score, then leave on a high and go sit in the press box again…It’s the George Costanza line of thinking!

Already setting up next game’s goal-scorer I see…

CaptainMusky wrote:

When was the last time the Wild led the league in goals for? I guessing its never, this team is so fun to watch. I didnt watch a second of the game last night but watching it now. Great to see Fiala get one finally.

They finished 2nd in the league for GF in 2016-2017… Bruce’s first season as coach and what will forever be known as the year of Marty Hanzal.

They’re basically in 2nd for GF right now… tied with Colorado and they have 3 games in hand. I mean CO could get shut out the next 3 games, sorry for ruining the fun!

This team has that feeling. I’m not sure if it’s the right feeling because I’ve never been lucky enough to cheer for a true championship team but everything sure feels right. I think they finally have a roster that can make a deep run.

Pump the brakes. Remember this is a Minnesota team and we always screw things up as bad as possible in the end. Vikings 1998 was the last time I thought that was the year a MN team had a chance and really should have won it all. I quit watching the Vikings after that year until I got sucked in and watched Farve in the NFC championship. The Wild are fun to watch. I do need to get on the Wild’s payroll so they can pay me to stay home and not go to see them play away. The wild are 1 for 6 for games I have flown to see them play. Vancouver earlier this year is the only winning game away I have seen them play.

mahtofire14 wrote:

This team has that feeling. I’m not sure if it’s the right feeling because I’ve never been lucky enough to cheer for a true championship team but everything sure feels right. I think they finally have a roster that can make a deep run.

Reports coming out that NHL salary cap could see it’s first significant increase as soon as the 2024-25 season. That’s earlier that originally expected and would be big for the Wild if it comes to fruition. 24-25 is year 4 of the buyouts, the final year of major salary cap pain…

mahtofire14 wrote:

I think they finally have a roster that can make a deep run.

In past seasons where I thought they would maybe win a round or two in the playoffs, their call sign was definitely more defense-oriented. Especially all those years under Lemaire.

Their mojo this season is offense! Maybe it won’t be as effective as playing defense first, but it sure is more entertaining to watch. Herb Brooks would agree with me on this one too.

I somewhat agree. This team has offensive talent but it is still very much about playing solid D and getting the puck moving up ice quickly and the transition game. They are not built like Edmonton that is purely offensive.
They still play a responsible defensive game. It is all about their transition game.

Ripjiggen wrote:

I somewhat agree. This team has offensive talent but it is still very much about playing solid D and getting the puck moving up ice quickly and the transition game. They are not built like Edmonton that is purely offensive.
They still play a responsible defensive game. It is all about their transition game.

Right, they have greatly improved their offense without compromising their defense. I think we all agree the D was the biggest question mark going in with the new signings, but they are looking like brilliant moves now.

Russo podcast with Bruce today is definitely worth a listen for anyone interested.

Interview starts with a really funny dig at Paul Fenton. Some other interesting nuggets in there like Bruce basically saying Guerin was making lineup decisions before he got fired.

What a sweet shot-pass by Zuc last night as well. Zuc to Ek, bango. 3rd power-play goal in 3 games. Man that guy can pass. Fiala and Greenway now join the party. If this thing keeps hitting on all cylinders, well…

The Wild have the defense AND the goaltending. Cam was just awesome again.

I also love that this iteration of the Wild does not try to play the opponent’s game. We’ve got a pace of our own and we don’t get sucked into trying to play the opponent’s style.

Opponents don’t know where to look or what to do right now. The Wild can kill you with all 4 lines, with the D-men jumping into the play, with goaltending that MIGHT let you score twice on a good night, and now might the power play also be getting dangerous?

So basically the secret formula is out there to beat the Wild. All an opponent has to do is shut down all 4 Wild lines, not allow the Wild’s d-men to score, and then after doing that put up more than 3 goals on Talbot or Kappo. Easy peasy.

I think someone has hijacked grouse account. His post are all way to positive to be the actual grouse.

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

What a sweet shot-pass by Zuc last night as well. Zuc to Ek, bango. 3rd power-play goal in 3 games. Man that guy can pass. Fiala and Greenway now join the party. If this thing keeps hitting on all cylinders, well…

The Wild have the defense AND the goaltending. Cam was just awesome again.

I also love that this iteration of the Wild does not try to play the opponent’s game. We’ve got a pace of our own and we don’t get sucked into trying to play the opponent’s style.

Opponents don’t know where to look or what to do right now. The Wild can kill you with all 4 lines, with the D-men jumping into the play, with goaltending that MIGHT let you score twice on a good night, and now might the power play also be getting dangerous?

So basically the secret formula is out there to beat the Wild. All an opponent has to do is shut down all 4 Wild lines, not allow the Wild’s d-men to score, and then after doing that put up more than 3 goals on Talbot or Kappo. Easy peasy.

this post is spot on, they check all the boxes of a good/great team, they just need to stay healthy

Guys! Are we avoiding the elephant in the room? Ek with 6 PPG this year where he had 1 in his career before this season? Stonehands is a PP juggernaut.

Ripjiggen wrote:

I think someone has hijacked grouse account. His post are all way to positive to be the actual grouse.

LMAO I was sorta thinking the same thing. He’s not wrong alot telling it like it is but it’s funny. Perhaps he’s not drinking famous grouse anymore?