Tuch for Duch?
- SotaPopinski

Duchy

You can't in one sentence say Fletcher has done a fantastic job methodically adding pieces to the team and then in the next say the team is failing miserably. I've never been a Fletcher guy. Parise and Suter basically came gift wrapped to him. Aside from the Nino trade, his other trades have been poor to horrendous. His drafting has been very suspect, and now standing pat for almost two months while the team was going into a nose dive has them in a very precarious position. The problem is, that if Fletcher fires Yeo, then Fletcher almost certainly gets fired as well. If Fletcher rides this group into the ground then both Fletcher and Yeo almost certainly get fired. So his only recourse imo is to trade for a goalie and hope the team builds confidence with a new backstop behind them. Anderson is old, so probably wouldn't want him. Enroth is a good choice, as his numbers at times have been stellar this season on a team that's dreadful. Buffalo is probably going to want a lot in return, so it will be a challenge for Fletcher to do, but he's basically forced to to save his job.
- mnhockeyguy

I disagree to a certain extent. While the overall success of his moves can allow for much second guessing, he's single handedly taken a below average and lack luster roster and completely refortified it with star power and young complimentary up and comers. Fletcher has been one of the more active GMs in the league over the past 4 seasons. Show me a GM that has dared be so active with 100% success and I'll call for Fletcher's head right now. Problem is, when tasked with taking a poop roster and completely rebuilding it with acquisitions as well as prospect development, some gambles will need to be taken and not all will pay off.

I think Fletch has done a fantastic job acquiring talent, unfortunately hes failed twice now on coaches. Yeo may turn out to be a fine coach much like Richards with another organization, but he clearly doesn't have the chops that it's going to take to manage a group of players that are clearly not capable of coming together under his system.

Always interesting to see a fan of another teams take on our failing club. I would be all aboard moving Pommer and Vanek, but pretty sure they have no move clauses, and that would likely irk Parise and Suter. That's a difficult decision to make, and a move I would like to see the GM hold off on pulling until a competent goaltender and dman are brought in.
I am really curious to see what Chicago will get for Raanta. He's good, but how does he do when given the #1 role, especially when he's no longer on an all-galaxy team like Chicago.
- SotaPopinski

I have doubts Bowman moves Raanta. Was just spitballing.

Raanta is really a favorite in the room and the front office. Not sure about Quennville though as he started Darling over Raanta but Bowman probably wouldn't want to upset things unless it was an attractive offer.

I will be curious how he performs behind a different defense as well. When CC was out last year and Raanta got a stretch of games he looked solid. Up and down since but hard to fault someone playing about every 8-9th game.

Zucker
Also, Leddy is a pretty darn good player (no matter what Hawks fans say). Good pick, horrible trade.
Tuch looks like he may be good, but way too soon to say. Same with Bussieres, Lucia and Gabriel.
But yes, he has missed more than he has hit
- SotaPopinski

Most GMs miss more than they hit and Fletcher has some solid finds. Haula was a steal regardless of how he looks this year. Niederater - not drafted by Fletch - was still a solid evaluation. Leddy and Zucker look like good picks but Leddy a bad trade.

I disagree to a certain extent. While the overall success of his moves can allow for much second guessing, he's single handedly taken a below average and lack luster roster and completely refortified it with star power and young complimentary up and comers. Fletcher has been one of the more active GMs in the league over the past 4 seasons. Show me a GM that has dared be so active with 100% success and I'll call for Fletcher's head right now. Problem is, when tasked with taking a poop roster and completely rebuilding it with acquisitions as well as prospect development, some gambles will need to be taken and not all will pay off.

I think Fletch has done a fantastic job acquiring talent, unfortunately hes failed twice now on coaches. Yeo may turn out to be a fine coach much like Richards with another organization, but he clearly doesn't have the chops that it's going to take to manage a group of players that are clearly not capable of coming together under his system.
- MnGump

But the problem is, if there was all this talent then the team wouldn't be mired at the bottom of the central. He brought in Parise and Suter, but other than them and Zucker the talent is pretty suspect. Scandella and Brodin are going the right way, but the team as constructed by Fletcher is marginal. Im not that down on Yeo. He got them into the 2nd round of the playoffs last season. He cant help that Fletcher didn't give him an NHL goalie this season. And if you compare Poille to Fletcher, Fletcher rates a distant second if you want to discuss bringing in guys this season to turn a team around imo.

But the problem is, if there was all this talent then the team wouldn't be mired at the bottom of the central. He brought in Parise and Suter, but other than them and Zucker the talent is pretty suspect. Scandella and Brodin are going the right way, but the team as constructed by Fletcher is marginal. Im not that down on Yeo. He got them into the 2nd round of the playoffs last season. He cant help that Yeo didn't give him an NHL goalie this season. And if you compare Poille to Fletcher, Fletcher rates a distant second if you want to discuss bringing in guys this season to turn a team around imo.
- mnhockeyguy

You can have all the talent in the world, but sometimes they just dont mesh or can't coexist under the same system. I think fletch did a descent job amassing talent, I just think they don't match up well under Yeos system.

As far as comparing Fletch to Poile? Well Poile did the one thing I've wanted from Fletch since day one, and that's hire a bonafide veteran coach.

Other than that Poiles been extremely lucky and was given a gift when he traded for Forsberg and the rest of his most recent acquisitions were several veteran players that didn't garner much interest from the rest of the league and were signed to one year deals for the most part. If the Wild had their own version of Rinne, they'd be in the playoff hunt as well.

I can almost guarantee the Preds are on the same course as the Avs were last season. Preds will fall back to earth next year

You can have all the talent in the world, but sometimes they just dont mesh or can't coexist under the same system. I think fletch did a descent job amassing talent, I just think they don't match up well under Yeos system.

As far as comparing Fletch to Poile? Well Poile did the one thing I've wanted from Fletch since day one, and that's hire a bonafide veteran coach.

Other than that Poiles been extremely lucky and was given a gift when he traded for Forsberg and the rest of his most recent acquisitions were several veteran players that didn't garner much interest from the rest of the league and were signed to one year deals for the most part. If the Wild had their own version of Rinne, they'd be in the playoff hunt as well.

I can almost guarantee the Preds are on the same course as the Avs were last season. Preds will fall back to earth next year
- MnGump

I dont know, I cant really see it. They have one of the best goalies in the game and arguablly one of the Top defensive pairings as well. As long as they stay healthy they will be competitive next season. Well coached and have younger more offensive minded players coming up. I think the Preds are the real

Really good assessment of the Wild by Russo this morning on PA's first segment. Give it a listen on demand if you didn't hear it.

I dont know, I cant really see it. They have one of the best goalies in the game and arguablly one of the Top defensive pairings as well. As long as they stay healthy they will be competitive next season. Well coached and have younger more offensive minded players coming up. I think the Preds are the real
- DDM-Coga

I think they will resign Ribeiro, who's been great for them, this off season. If they do, this team is deep at center, something the Wild is not, and will be competitive in the central for the next 3 years at least.

I dont know, I cant really see it. They have one of the best goalies in the game and arguablly one of the Top defensive pairings as well. As long as they stay healthy they will be competitive next season. Well coached and have younger more offensive minded players coming up. I think the Preds are the real
- DDM-Coga

Agreed. Not a flukey team unlike previous playoff teams

Michael Russo ‏@Russostrib 1h1 hour ago
#mnwild lines: Parise-Koivu-Pominville; Zucker-Coyle-Nino; Vanek-Haula-Fontaine; Cooke-Brodziak-Carter

Since energy and effort seem to be a problem you'd think it would make sense to put the two guys that give the most (Parise, Zucker) on the same line to see if it would set an example for the rest of this team to follow.

Last game, it was due to an incomplete line change, but Parise, Zucker, and Haula ended up on the ice together for about 15-20 seconds. Result? Play was driven to the net, scoring chance, penalty drawn (Oduya) - NHL.com Play by Play - event #68. That play by play sheet has no other events listing them on the ice together.

I don't blame Yeo for all this team's problems but when I hear he's tried everything it really pisses me off. He hasn't tried everything.

Michael Russo ‏@Russostrib 1h1 hour ago
#mnwild lines: Parise-Koivu-Pominville; Zucker-Coyle-Nino; Vanek-Haula-Fontaine; Cooke-Brodziak-Carter

Since energy and effort seem to be a problem you'd think it would make sense to put the two guys that give the most (Parise, Zucker) on the same line to see if it would set an example for the rest of this team to follow.

Last game, it was due to an incomplete line change, but Parise, Zucker, and Haula ended up on the ice together for about 15-20 seconds. Result? Play was driven to the net, scoring chance, penalty drawn (Oduya) - NHL.com Play by Play - event #68. That play by play sheet has no other events listing them on the ice together.

I don't blame Yeo for all this team's problems but when I hear he's tried everything it really pisses me off. He hasn't tried everything.
- Chinaski

It drives me crazy that Brodziak is still on this team, when Carter is the better center for the 4th line! Also Koivu should NOT be on the top line even with Granlund hurt. He is not offensive enough to justify it, nor is his skating good enough. Either Haula, or Graovac(who I wish would be given an extensive look) should be tried there for more than a few shifts or one period. They are losing with Koivu, so why not try something else? He's obviously not giving them the best chance to win as the #1 center.

I think they will resign Ribeiro, who's been great for them, this off season. If they do, this team is deep at center, something the Wild is not, and will be competitive in the central for the next 3 years at least.
- mnhockeyguy

I think they resign him too, 2 year deal would be fair, keep the guy hungry. Fisher is probably a big priority for them, I can see him signing a 4 year deal at a very modest cap hit just so he wind down his career there.

Guys like Cullen and Joikinen will be gone and will have plenty of opportunity to add in UFA or within their system. Watch them add a guy like Glencross, seems like the perfect Lavy foot solider.

I dont know, I cant really see it. They have one of the best goalies in the game and arguablly one of the Top defensive pairings as well. As long as they stay healthy they will be competitive next season. Well coached and have younger more offensive minded players coming up. I think the Preds are the real
- DDM-Coga

I'll agree to disagree. Sure, they'll be competitive, they were always competitive under Trots. And obviously if their Diamond of a trade Fil Forsberg can continue to play like an all-star they will no doubt continue to remain that way.

But I still think that team got a hot injection with the hiring of an offensive minded veteran coach in Laviolette as well as the trade (which also unloaded the boat anchor Erat) and some descent but not overly stimulating UFA's.

...and a roster that's getting pretty long in the tooth and with several hitting UFA after the season. Cullen is going to be 39 next season UFA, Jokinen 37, UFA, Fischer 35, UFA and Ribeiro 35, UFA. Maybe each of those guys has a year or two left, maybe not.

Then you've got Gaustad who's a 33 year old UFA after next season.

Personally I think this will be a short lived bout of high level success for the Preds. I think Poile has done a good job, but IMO, he's been very lucky with how well a rapidly thrown together team is playing right now. 3 of their key players weren't even on the starting roster last season.

I can't look at the caliber of their roster and compare it with Colorados and agree that it looks to be younger and better. Therefore that leads me to believe there is a certain amount of luck and timing involved with this seasons Preds team. Without Rinne, I think they're an average looking and aging team based on their roster.

I'll agree to disagree. Sure, they'll be competitive, they were always competitive under Trots. And obviously if their Diamond of a trade Fil Forsberg can continue to play like an all-star they will no doubt continue to remain that way.

But I still think that team got a hot injection with the hiring of an offensive minded veteran coach in Laviolette as well as the trade (which also unloaded the boat anchor Erat) and some descent but not overly stimulating UFA's.

...and a roster that's getting pretty long in the tooth and with several hitting UFA after the season. Cullen is going to be 39 next season UFA, Jokinen 37, UFA, Fischer 35, UFA and Ribeiro 35, UFA. Maybe each of those guys has a year or two left, maybe not.

Then you've got Gaustad who's a 33 year old UFA after next season.

Personally I think this will be a short lived bout of high level success for the Preds. I think Poile has done a good job, but IMO, he's been very lucky with how well a rapidly thrown together team is playing right now. 3 of their key players weren't even on the starting roster last season.

I can't look at the caliber of their roster and compare it with Colorados and agree that it looks to be younger and better. Therefore that leads me to believe there is a certain amount of luck and timing involved with this seasons Preds team. Without Rinne, I think they're an average looking and aging team based on their roster.
- MnGump

They are still one of the Top possession teams in the NHL, and they play like it. They are winning bc they are playing a strong system, there is a reason why they have let up the fewest goals in the NHL and in the Top 10 in League scoring. The Preds havent given up a lot of shots either, one of the lowest in the league. I dont see any fluke in that sort of stats. To me thats LA kings like in the way they are playing and built.

They arent like the Avs who were flirting wtih disaster all season long and were winning games with heroics at the end in OT or 3rd period comebacks. Preds to me are a real beast and with guys like Jones, Josi, Ellis all young on the D, Weber is the oldest and still under 30. Team is ready to take the next step as long as they dont have major injury issues, which sucks bc our Division is already stacked with quality top of the league teams

First period says it all. Wild come out attacking with a couple of great chances to score.
Failed to capitalize
Backstrom and the defense give up 2 bad goals.

First period says it all. Wild come out attacking with a couple of great chances to score.
Failed to capitalize
Backstrom and the defense give up 2 bad goals.
- SotaPopinski

Backstrom has been about as effective as a traffic cone. And not even a live sacrifice to the gods of puck luck can buy this team a favorable bounce.

Haula has become pretty much useless.

Haula has become pretty much useless.
- MnGump

Pretty much. So 4 centers, 1 or 2 dmen, and a goalie. Other than that, we're set!

Completely missed that Suter elbow. What a stupid move that was

Completely missed that Suter elbow. What a stupid move that was
- SotaPopinski

The elbow was definitely intentional, not so sure the result was.

The elbow was definitely intentional, not so sure the result was.
- MnGump

Regardless, that's pretty reckless. Give him a game off

Completely missed that Suter elbow. What a stupid move that was
- SotaPopinski

No worries. It was Downie on the other end, so Suter will get a bonus in this double standard league.

Pretty much. So 4 centers, 1 or 2 dmen, and a goalie. Other than that, we're set!
- SotaPopinski

I still like Koivu as a 3rd line center and I think Granny needs to go back to wing. Sure wish fletcher would have been more proactive this season. This team is effed.

No worries. It was Downie on the other end, so Suter will get a bonus in this double standard league.
- PittsPens

Sad but true. I have no issue with him getting a game or two. Head shots have got to go