Circulartheory
Registered User
(Not) New But Improved
St. Paul, MN
Although losing in a heartbreaking Game 7 against the Canucks in Round 2, many players and staff left satisfied with their season accomplishment.
Not many thought the Wild would make the playoffs. They did.
Not many thought the Wild would make it past the first round. They did.
This time around, with the playoffs in mind, the Wild have kept the same recipe but with several Minnesota players having career years in the NHL. Expect the same team, but better.
Summary
- David Perron-Anze Kopitar, one of the most dangerous HFNHL duos last season will continue to be.
- Mikael Granlund replaces Gilbert Brule. Granlund scored 41 points in 63 games. This means an improved 2nd line centerman.
- Mike Santorelli replaces Joel Ward. Santorelli scored 28 points in 49 games. Improved secondary scoring.
- Mikkel Boedker, Tommy Wingels, Luke Glendening great NHL seasons.
- Marek Zidlicky finally gives the Wild a puckmoving defenseman
- Improved backup goaltending with Curtis McElhinney
Projected Lineup
David Perron|Anze Kopitar|Brian Gionta
Mikkel Boedker|Mikael Granlund|Mike Santorelli
Matt Cooke|Kyle Brodziak|Tommy Wingels
Quinton Howden|Linden Vey|Luke Glendening
Jason Garrison|Marek Zidlicky
Zach Bogosian|Jonas Brodin
Bryce Salvador|Nate Prosser
Jaroslav Halak
Curtis McElhinney
Overall, the Minnesota Wild is a team that strives and relies on its depth to overcome opposing teams. While featuring one of the top offensive duos, it also has the depth to tire and grind down opponents and provide scoring from lower lines.
The organization also looks very solid and deep for the future. The team brought in Austin Carroll, Joel Vermin, Justin Dowling, Johan Alm, and Scott Darling to develop in Iowa while also holding 5 picks in the top 90 of the 2015 draft. Their prospect pool is highlighted by Sonny Milano, Colton Sissons, Tyler Wotherspoon, and Markus Pettersson.
The Minnesota Wild is taking the slowly but surely approach, and surely, expect one of the cheapest HFNHL playoff teams, expect a team that can roll of 4 forward lines and all 3 defensive pairs, and expect a team that has a pipleline that feeds consistent cheap talent for years to come.
Woot!
