2019-2020 Wild Season

[team22tank]

That aBoy Stalock

[Karlsson]

Yep, Stalock is back.

Edit: That was deflected twice. Being reviewed for high stick.

[Snowcool08]

Double deflection. I think the second one was not a high stick.

[J22]

Maybe Guerin can sit on his ass for a few more weeks?

[Bladepuller]

Even with good goaltending this is not a top team.
With the goaltending they are getting.......very disappointing.

[team22tank]

Stalock posts a .800 save percentage on the most manageable of hockey games you will see for a goaltender.

His horrendous season average of .899 would have been glorious tonight.

[Karlsson]

Maybe Guerin can sit on his ass for a few more weeks?

The most likely course of action, without a doubt.

[J22]

Even with good goaltending this is not a top team.
With the goaltending they are getting.......very disappointing.

With good goaltending, they can play with anybody in the West

[J22]

Maybe Guerin can sit on his ass for a few more weeks?

The most likely course of action, without a doubt.

At least he's good at shaking hands I guess

[Bladepuller]

Even with good goaltending this is not a top team.
With the goaltending they are getting.......very disappointing.

With good goaltending, they can play with anybody in the West

No. They can't. Too soft. Too slow. Too challenged to score.

[J22]

Even with good goaltending this is not a top team.
With the goaltending they are getting.......very disappointing.

With good goaltending, they can play with anybody in the West

No. They can't. Too soft. Too slow. Too challenged to score.

6th in the West for goals scored despite having to constantly cheat on D to protect the goaltending. Not sure where you're getting too slow and too soft from, but neither are the case.

[Bladepuller]

What ever.

[J22]

What ever.

It's not like they didn't just skate circles around the highest scoring team in the league.

[Bladepuller]

Again. What ever.

[streakygopher]

What ever.

It's not like they didn't just skate circles around the highest scoring team in the league.

They played a really solid game, but they got undone in the final 4 minutes.

Patteryn was either gassed or just didn't have the wheels to stay with his guy on the fourth goal (and not a great goal for Stalock) and Suter couldn't muscle his man away from the front of the net on the 5th goal. Duby might have been winner tonight, because a couple of the Panthers' goals just eluded the diminutive Stalock. The young guys played well, except for Fiala, who had zero interest in defending, and Staal was noticeably absent again.

It was a disheartening loss, but honestly I got over in a hot second, because this team has no playoff future anyway.

[ScoobyDoo]

I got over it quickly too. I've been watching the games in a vacuum. Trying not to apply anything about the season to what I am seeing. Making it a more enjoyable experience for sure.

They do have the same problem they've always had. Too many moving parts have to be moving in the same direction. Look at the Panthers last night. They played a really bad hockey game and still get two points on the road.

Love this Russo quote from today's article. Just the start of a sentence but it says everything about the Wild for the last 7 years.

The Wild, the team that never, ever makes any sense

[Slap Shot]

It's weird. They were cruising along heading into a stretch of almost all home games and then fell right back into their old habits.

And Blade is not the first (nor will he be the last) fan to correctly observe the teams lacks overall speed and grit.

[bearpaw28]

It's weird. They were cruising along heading into a stretch of almost all home games and then fell right back into their old habits.

And Blade is not the first (nor will he be the last) fan to correctly observe the teams lacks overall speed and grit.

Agree, aside from Zucker & Fiala (up front) they are a station to station passing team. Al had bad night in the net, hard to win when opponent converts 5 of 25 shots

[ScoobyDoo]

It's weird. They were cruising along heading into a stretch of almost all home games and then fell right back into their old habits.

And Blade is not the first (nor will he be the last) fan to correctly observe the teams lacks overall speed and grit.

Ehhh...I see a lot of grit on this team to be honest. A lot more than they used to have. They have a lot of guys out there gritting. What they don't have is a lot of talent and they have a weird mix. A mix where if everyone pulls the same way they win, and if one guy gets out of line they lose. Panthers last night had a slew of players that just were not interested and they still won the game. That's the difference.

Speed? No, still slow. They have a few guys who can move. The rest not so much.

[JWG]

This game was... ...unfortunate.

[ScoobyDoo]

This game was... ...unfortunate.

Especially when you consider how fragile this teams psyche is all the time.

[streakygopher]

It's weird. They were cruising along heading into a stretch of almost all home games and then fell right back into their old habits.

And Blade is not the first (nor will he be the last) fan to correctly observe the teams lacks overall speed and grit.

Ehhh...I see a lot of grit on this team to be honest. A lot more than they used to have. They have a lot of guys out there gritting. What they don't have is a lot of talent and they have a weird mix. A mix where if everyone pulls the same way they win, and if one guy gets out of line they lose. Panthers last night had a slew of players that just were not interested and they still won the game. That's the difference.

Speed? No, still slow. They have a few guys who can move. The rest not so much.

I agree. Grit wasn't the problem last night. The team needed guys like Staal to play better, and they needed guys like Fiala to back check. Stalock was just ok when he needed to be good.

That game was like a T-Wolves game. They could be ahead by 20 points going into the final 10 minutes, and you know it's not over. Last night, the Panthers hit the accelerator with 5 minutes left in the game. On one goal they exploited Patteryn, who is down the depth chart at defense. On the second, they got a little lucky. Whatever the case, the Wild didn't do enough to hold their lead and finish it.

Can't remember which stud on the Panthers scored it, but that break away goal was a thing of beauty and a study of physics. It looked like he flipped the puck wide right of the goal, but his sideways momentum worked in his favor as the puck followed its sideways trajectory and ended up in the top shelf corner.

[frozen4champs]

On the bright side--

[Vegasgopher]

And scene...

Next year, please

Russian coming?

[ScoobyDoo]

Donato scratched. Must be shopping Zucker so he has to play.

[grothm01]

Another great game. Easy to tell because no posts.

[Bertogliat]

And scene...

Next year, please

Russian coming?

The Wild are 5 points out of 8th place (with 2 games in hand) and 8 points out of third.

[Thirty-Four]

Also one point ahead of Nashville that has three games in hand.

[Slap Shot]

DET is awful but the Wild are weird. They lose this game 2 weeks ago.

[bearpaw28]

Also one point ahead of Nashville that has three games in hand.

Always a Wild Optimist Club Member!

[frozen4champs]

As a fan, I will always want the Wild to be successful ( note not always winning). For me, the long term success may mean not making the playoffs this year and getting a top 5 pick. I don't by any means want a Detroit like tanking, but I can not see this team going anywhere in the playoffs. So being the last wild card really doesn't do much for the long term. In other years, the Wild have had teams that made the playoffs as a wild card and they were capable of winning a series or two. Don't see it with this squad. So what do they do? I trust Guerin more than I ever did Fletcher or Fenton. I would try to flip Zucker, Greenway, Donato, Dumba, Hunt,and Pateryn for some talent. Also #FreeSeeler Everyone on this team should be available. None of the young guys have proved to be long term superstars. Jury is still out on Kunin. Our leading point getters are Staal, Suter, and Parise. Old, Old, Old. Buy out Rask at the year end also. Other than the Russian kids coming, there is really no scoring help in Iowa, only goalies and a couple of D Men. Welp

[ScoobyDoo]

I would not buy out anyone. Even Rask. You gotta finish out all these debilitating contracts without forking money out for nothing. That's part of what got them in trouble in the first place.

Their number one problem is their farm system. They don't have enough talent coming up. You look at Greenway and Kunin for example and either A. They aren't as good as we thought they were or B. They didn't have enough time to develop in the AHL. Either way it strikes at the heart of what ales the team because those are two major prospects that were coming up that everyone was excited about and they haven't really done much to change the dynamic around here. It's still the old guys lugging the ship up the hill.

As long as your top two centers are over 35 years of age you're not going anywhere. Buying out Rask is something a team does if their close. And he's a center, and playing about equal with Ek who's your only young true center on the team right now.

[team22tank]

DET is awful but the Wild are weird. They lose this game 2 weeks ago.

Yup Stalock or Dubnyk probably give up 3or4 goals it is a crapshoot. Thankfully Dubnyk only let in 2 puffers last night.

[ScoobyDoo]

Unfortunately it's not just the goaltending. When they had Dubnyk at his best they still didn't get over the hump with this core. But, I do agree that right now finding a new goaltender is a priority. More unfortunately for them the big prospect coming in is neither a goaltender nor a center. And I'd have to say Center is an even bigger problem.

[JWG]

DET is awful but the Wild are weird. They lose this game 2 weeks ago.

They lose this game 2 DAYS ago...
They are weird.

[team22tank]

As a fan, I will always want the Wild to be successful ( note not always winning). For me, the long term success may mean not making the playoffs this year and getting a top 5 pick. I don't by any means want a Detroit like tanking, but I can not see this team going anywhere in the playoffs. So being the last wild card really doesn't do much for the long term. In other years, the Wild have had teams that made the playoffs as a wild card and they were capable of winning a series or two. Don't see it with this squad. So what do they do? I trust Guerin more than I ever did Fletcher or Fenton. I would try to flip Zucker, Greenway, Donato, Dumba, Hunt,and Pateryn for some talent. Also #FreeSeeler Everyone on this team should be available. None of the young guys have proved to be long term superstars. Jury is still out on Kunin. Our leading point getters are Staal, Suter, and Parise. Old, Old, Old. Buy out Rask at the year end also. Other than the Russian kids coming, there is really no scoring help in Iowa, only goalies and a couple of D Men. Welp

Why would you try to move Greenway, Donato and Dumba?

[frozen4champs]

As a fan, I will always want the Wild to be successful ( note not always winning). For me, the long term success may mean not making the playoffs this year and getting a top 5 pick. I don't by any means want a Detroit like tanking, but I can not see this team going anywhere in the playoffs. So being the last wild card really doesn't do much for the long term. In other years, the Wild have had teams that made the playoffs as a wild card and they were capable of winning a series or two. Don't see it with this squad. So what do they do? I trust Guerin more than I ever did Fletcher or Fenton. I would try to flip Zucker, Greenway, Donato, Dumba, Hunt,and Pateryn for some talent. Also #FreeSeeler Everyone on this team should be available. None of the young guys have proved to be long term superstars. Jury is still out on Kunin. Our leading point getters are Staal, Suter, and Parise. Old, Old, Old. Buy out Rask at the year end also. Other than the Russian kids coming, there is really no scoring help in Iowa, only goalies and a couple of D Men. Welp

Why would you try to move Greenway, Donato and Dumba?

My issue with Greenway and Donato is , are they going to develop to be great players or are they going to be career 3rd or 4th liners? Maybe I'm giving up on them too early, and they will be great, but who knows. I would love for them to come out and dominate and then the Wild could build around them, but it hasn't happened. Greenway has played in 135 games and has 44 points. Donato has played in 113 games and has 49 points. All I'm saying is if some team loves them, and if the Wild could get a good return, trade them, Dumba is more of a wild card. Dumba pre injury last year, no way I'm trading him. Now, I think he is expendable, but his value is at an all time low. They could keep Dumba and hope next year he is the 18-19 version, but everything is a crap shoot. It sucks that the Wild are boxed in a corner with people they really can't move ( Parise, Suter) and a bunch of players who are "average" at best. To be honest, I don't know what I would do or how to fix it, but something needs to change. Being middle of the road is not fun. It is depressing to see when young players come up in other organizations that they make an impact. We need some of those, and hopefully Guerin knows of some hidden jewels he can get back for these players.

[team22tank]

Their number one problem is their farm system. They don't have enough talent coming up. You look at Greenway and Kunin for example and either A. They aren't as good as we thought they were or B. They didn't have enough time to develop in the AHL. Either way it strikes at the heart of what ales the team because those are two major prospects that were coming up that everyone was excited about and they haven't really done much to change the dynamic around here. It's still the old guys lugging the ship up the hill.

Kunin is on pace for 20 goals in his 21/22 year old season. How many NHL players have that on their resume?

[ScoobyDoo]

Their number one problem is their farm system. They don't have enough talent coming up. You look at Greenway and Kunin for example and either A. They aren't as good as we thought they were or B. They didn't have enough time to develop in the AHL. Either way it strikes at the heart of what ales the team because those are two major prospects that were coming up that everyone was excited about and they haven't really done much to change the dynamic around here. It's still the old guys lugging the ship up the hill.

Kunin is on pace for 20 goals in his 21/22 year old season. How many NHL players have that on their resume?

Yes. And that's fantastic.

He's not a game changer. You could put someone else there and it wouldn't change the teams record one bit.

[JWG]

Huh… higher than I expected...

https://theathletic.com/1234514/?source ... d=26895233

For those not subscribing, they list Dubnyk as a tier 3 #15 overall goalie in the league.

[team22tank]

As a fan, I will always want the Wild to be successful ( note not always winning). For me, the long term success may mean not making the playoffs this year and getting a top 5 pick. I don't by any means want a Detroit like tanking, but I can not see this team going anywhere in the playoffs. So being the last wild card really doesn't do much for the long term. In other years, the Wild have had teams that made the playoffs as a wild card and they were capable of winning a series or two. Don't see it with this squad. So what do they do? I trust Guerin more than I ever did Fletcher or Fenton. I would try to flip Zucker, Greenway, Donato, Dumba, Hunt,and Pateryn for some talent. Also #FreeSeeler Everyone on this team should be available. None of the young guys have proved to be long term superstars. Jury is still out on Kunin. Our leading point getters are Staal, Suter, and Parise. Old, Old, Old. Buy out Rask at the year end also. Other than the Russian kids coming, there is really no scoring help in Iowa, only goalies and a couple of D Men. Welp

Why would you try to move Greenway, Donato and Dumba?

My issue with Greenway and Donato is , are they going to develop to be great players or are they going to be career 3rd or 4th liners? Maybe I'm giving up on them too early, and they will be great, but who knows. I would love for them to come out and dominate and then the Wild could build around them, but it hasn't happened. Greenway has played in 135 games and has 44 points. Donato has played in 113 games and has 49 points. All I'm saying is if some team loves them, and if the Wild could get a good return, trade them, Dumba is more of a wild card. Dumba pre injury last year, no way I'm trading him. Now, I think he is expendable, but his value is at an all time low. They could keep Dumba and hope next year he is the 18-19 version, but everything is a crap shoot. It sucks that the Wild are boxed in a corner with people they really can't move ( Parise, Suter) and a bunch of players who are "average" at best. To be honest, I don't know what I would do or how to fix it, but something needs to change. Being middle of the road is not fun. It is depressing to see when young players come up in other organizations that they make an impact. We need some of those, and hopefully Guerin knows of some hidden jewels he can get back for these players.

Donato is on pace for almost 20 goals, doesn’t play every night and averages 10 minutes a game. I wouldn’t give up on that.

The Wild are in the top half of the league in scoring and right at the bottom in save percentage. I don’t think it would be wise to deal a bunch of youth in that scenario. Especially since it isn’t even close to the top problem.

[team22tank]

Their number one problem is their farm system. They don't have enough talent coming up. You look at Greenway and Kunin for example and either A. They aren't as good as we thought they were or B. They didn't have enough time to develop in the AHL. Either way it strikes at the heart of what ales the team because those are two major prospects that were coming up that everyone was excited about and they haven't really done much to change the dynamic around here. It's still the old guys lugging the ship up the hill.

Kunin is on pace for 20 goals in his 21/22 year old season. How many NHL players have that on their resume?

Yes. And that's fantastic.

He's not a game changer. You could put someone else there and it wouldn't change the teams record one bit.

Go check out what your boy Zucker was producing 24 and younger.

A player that can score 20 goals as a 21/22 year is exactly what the Wild should want on their roster for years to come. Not to mention all at 5on5.

[team22tank]

Huh… higher than I expected...

https://theathletic.com/1234514/?source ... d=26895233

For those not subscribing, they list Dubnyk as a tier 3 #15 overall goalie in the league.

That’s from September...

[JWG]

Huh… higher than I expected...

https://theathletic.com/1234514/?source ... d=26895233

For those not subscribing, they list Dubnyk as a tier 3 #15 overall goalie in the league.

That’s from September...

Huh... look at that. Why the hell did they tweet it at me today?!

[ScoobyDoo]

Their number one problem is their farm system. They don't have enough talent coming up. You look at Greenway and Kunin for example and either A. They aren't as good as we thought they were or B. They didn't have enough time to develop in the AHL. Either way it strikes at the heart of what ales the team because those are two major prospects that were coming up that everyone was excited about and they haven't really done much to change the dynamic around here. It's still the old guys lugging the ship up the hill.

Kunin is on pace for 20 goals in his 21/22 year old season. How many NHL players have that on their resume?

Yes. And that's fantastic.

He's not a game changer. You could put someone else there and it wouldn't change the teams record one bit.

Go check out what your boy Zucker was producing 24 and younger.

A player that can score 20 goals as a 21/22 year is exactly what the Wild should want on their roster for years to come. Not to mention all at 5on5.

No one wants to get rid of him. But keep playing that narrative.

[team22tank]

Their number one problem is their farm system. They don't have enough talent coming up. You look at Greenway and Kunin for example and either A. They aren't as good as we thought they were or B. They didn't have enough time to develop in the AHL. Either way it strikes at the heart of what ales the team because those are two major prospects that were coming up that everyone was excited about and they haven't really done much to change the dynamic around here. It's still the old guys lugging the ship up the hill.

Kunin is on pace for 20 goals in his 21/22 year old season. How many NHL players have that on their resume?

Yes. And that's fantastic.

He's not a game changer. You could put someone else there and it wouldn't change the teams record one bit.

Go check out what your boy Zucker was producing 24 and younger.

A player that can score 20 goals as a 21/22 year is exactly what the Wild should want on their roster for years to come. Not to mention all at 5on5.

No one wants to get rid of him. But keep playing that narrative.

What narrative?

You made a comment about Greenway and Kunin either not being as good as “we” thought or not enough AHL time.

I actually agree with the AHL time. But that ship has sailed because Fletcher could not build a program to save his life. So all the youngsters came right up. Happened in 2012-2013 and again this last go around.

As far as, not as good as “we” thought and making that call on a 21-22 year old on pace for 20. Just Foolish. Pretty much on the Fiala Foolishness level going on last year.

[ScoobyDoo]

I think it's fantastic that you can compartmentalize Kunin's season. It's wonderful. I can't. I've managed to do it at the team level but I have not done it at the player level.

All things being equal every player on this roster is tradeable. There are no franchise players on the Wild.

[streakygopher]

I think it's fantastic that you can compartmentalize Kunin's season. It's wonderful. I can't. I've managed to do it at the team level but I have not done it at the player level.

All things being equal every player on this roster is tradeable. There are no franchise players on the Wild.

I don't see a franchise player either, but the team needs to have a nucleus to build on. I'm glad I'm not the one who has to decide if Ek, Kunin, Donato, Fiala and Greenway should stay or go. They haven't been consistent, but that's the hallmark young players. My interest this season is watching the young kids develop.

They tried building around the Parise-Suter-Koivu core by adding pieces here and there, like Duby and Staal, but it hasn't worked. By the time these young guys hit their strides, the first pillars of the foundation will have weakened, so they might as well deal with that now..

[ScoobyDoo]

I think it's fantastic that you can compartmentalize Kunin's season. It's wonderful. I can't. I've managed to do it at the team level but I have not done it at the player level.

All things being equal every player on this roster is tradeable. There are no franchise players on the Wild.

I don't see a franchise player either, but the team needs to have a nucleus to build on. I'm glad I'm not the one who has to decide if Ek, Kunin, Donato, Fiala and Greenway should stay or go. They haven't been consistent, but that's the hallmark young players. My interest this season is watching the young kids develop.

They tried building around the Parise-Suter-Koivu core by adding pieces here and there, like Duby and Staal, but it hasn't worked. By the time these young guys hit their strides, the first pillars of the foundation will have weakened, so they might as well deal with that now..

They do have a few nice younger players to build around. BUT, besides Ek who apparently is not a #1 or #2 Center they don't scratch the Center/Goaltending itch that needs to be scratched.

And now the Zuccarello/Staal/Parise/Koivu current core is wasting Brodin and Spurgeon's prime. I'd put Dumba in there too but I have no idea what happened to him. He obviously was affected more by last years injury than anyone thought.

[frozen4champs]

[streakygopher]

Holy crap the acceleration...and what dazzling stick work.

[ScoobyDoo]

Holy crap the acceleration...and what dazzling stick work.

Yeah. Just imagine if he had a Center to play with. It'd be like Toews and Kane when he got here.

[streakygopher]

In my head I'm saying KAP-ri-sov but is it KA-pre-sov?

[Vegoe]

Holy crap the acceleration...and what dazzling stick work.

Yeah. Just imagine if he had a Center to play with. It'd be like Toews and Kane when he got here.

https://theathletic.com/1492165/2019/12 ... ower-back/

Analysts seem to suggest this guy is pretty, pretty, pretty good.

[team22tank]

Holy crap the acceleration...and what dazzling stick work.

Yeah. Just imagine if he had a Center to play with. It'd be like Toews and Kane when he got here.

https://theathletic.com/1492165/2019/12 ... ower-back/

Analysts seem to suggest this guy is pretty, pretty, pretty good.

He is having an incredible season. Has almost duplicated his production from last season in half the games. And he had a fine season last year.

Good been a great find.

[Steve MN]

I couldn't understand a thing the announcers were saying, but from the tone, I'm pretty sure I agreed with every word.

[YoungEagle]

The Messiah!

In all seriousness this kid is supremely talented, but after hearing about him for so long if when he first comes he does not look good right away, there may be a fan induced hysteria style mutiny.

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

Serious question because I'm not a Wild follower. Will this guy ever wear a Wild uniform?

[team22tank]

Serious question because I'm not a Wild follower. Will this guy ever wear a Wild uniform?

Until he is over here you could, say you never know.

But it seems very, very likely. His agent says he is signing when is KHL deal is up this Spring.

[frozen4champs]

Serious question because I'm not a Wild follower. Will this guy ever wear a Wild uniform?

From most reports, he will sign this off season and have a top 6 role next year. That is why Guerin has to trade a top 6 forward.

[Slap Shot]

Are all of the current Top 6 under contract for next year?

[team22tank]

The Messiah!

In all seriousness this kid is supremely talented, but after hearing about him for so long if when he first comes he does not look good right away, there may be a fan induced hysteria style mutiny.

Yes The Rubes. Best to tune them out.

[team22tank]

Are all of the current Top 6 under contract for next year?

Off the top of my head every single player is under contract next year except Koivu, forward and D.

Soucy, Kunin and Greenway are restricted free agents and will be here unless they were moved.

[frozen4champs]

Are all of the current Top 6 under contract for next year?

Off the top of my head every single player is under contract next year except Koivu, forward and D.

Soucy, Kunin and Greenway are restricted free agents and will be here unless they were moved.

That is correct. 2021-22 is when they have a ton of RFA's and UFA's.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/wild

[Slap Shot]

Even the Wild played tribute to Kobe.

[frozen4champs]

Even the Wild played tribute to Kobe.

Hopefully it doesn't carry over to MLB.

[Slap Shot]

Do the Bruins normally have this many fans at the X?

[team22tank]

Boobnyk still royally sucks after the break.

[streakygopher]

Looks to me like it's time to unload assets.

[team22tank]

Looks to me like it's time to unload assets.

Better get it right.

Otherwise you are tearing down a team because you have sub .900 goaltending.

Just another night where Dubnyk’s .890 sv% would look glorious right now.

[J22]

Looks to me like it's time to unload assets.

Better get it right.

Otherwise you are tearing down a team because you have sub .900 goaltending.

Just another night where Dubnyk’s .890 sv% would look glorious right now.

Need to fix the problems at goaltender and at center. It doesn't matter who you keep if you don't fix those 2 holes first.

[F Da Sue]

Guerin is secretly tanking this season by doing nothing to improve their atrocious goaltending situation. You cannot be taken seriously if you continue to trot out two guys who have no business in the NHL.

[J22]

Guerin is secretly tanking this season by doing nothing to improve their atrocious goaltending situation. You cannot be taken seriously if you continue to trot out two guys who have no business in the NHL.

I'm still not sure that Guerin understands that he actually has a job to do. It seems like he thinks he was hired to shake hands and spit out cliches.

[Goldy77]

Guerin is secretly tanking this season by doing nothing to improve their atrocious goaltending situation. You cannot be taken seriously if you continue to trot out two guys who have no business in the NHL.

I'm still not sure that Guerin understands that he actually has a job to do. It seems like he thinks he was hired to shake hands and spit out cliches.

What do you suggest?

[J22]

Guerin is secretly tanking this season by doing nothing to improve their atrocious goaltending situation. You cannot be taken seriously if you continue to trot out two guys who have no business in the NHL.

I'm still not sure that Guerin understands that he actually has a job to do. It seems like he thinks he was hired to shake hands and spit out cliches.

What do you suggest?

I would start with trying any other goaltender on the planet other than Dubnyk/Stalock