Dan Wallace: Ducks Up Next For Comeback Kids

Although they haven't looked all that good, i guess a win is a win is a win... but it's seems fairly clear that LA is NOT the team to beat at this juncture of their franchise. I mean they are an NHL team, but seemingly not all that good and getting a bit long in the tooth, not unlike this Wild squad.

I'd like to say "bravo" on back to back OT wins, but there is a lot of work to be done to improve the sloppy and erratic play on both sides of the ice. Right now i guess they can take solace in knowing they won both games, but i don't necessarily believe they played good enough to deserve either win.

Gotta agree with Gump on his statements. Happy to see things have gone to the win column, but haven't really seen anything special from the Wild...except Kaprizov. I know I posted in another thread about moving Bonino to C for the #1 PP, but maybe it should be Johansson. Not in the regular 5x5 time, but just the PP. Have loved watched and cheering Parise since he came to the Wild, but maybe he doesn't belong on the #1 PP anymore. The Wild have 2 wingers that are better now. And it isn't meant to be a slight against Parise...just think how having him on the #2 PP improves that group.

Arguably their most complete game of the season so far and oddly enough they lose it. Certainly Talbots best showing thus far. Both net minders stood on their heads last night. With that being said, easily could have been a lopsided win for the Ducks.

Not a ton of positivity as far as team cohesion is concerned, but lots of turnovers and opportunities to score, just couldn't seem to beat Gibson.

I'm not really sure i like Evasons constant line mixing... hasn't really proved to be effective and it's certainly not allowing some of the younger players to gel with their line mates...

Pretty disappointing to see that Greenway seems to be stuck in some sort of time warp as far as his development is concerned... I like his size, i like his willingness to get in the dirty areas and move guys around, but man it seems like he should be shining and being a lot more involved in the scoring.

Bjugstad finally looked a little more engaged in the game.... thats about it though, nothing much else really to say about him so far.

For the first time, or maybe what seems like the first time, Suter is looking out matched in the corners. He hasn't looked terrible, but he hasn't looked like the rock solid puck moving D man that i've come to expect from him.

I'm sure there's more, but this is already getting long and boring... Take it away Gus!!!

I do not like the lines and it is going to be hard to fix for me. I do not have much use for Rask, Johansson and Bonino being in the top six. I realize there is not much to work with and I feel bad for Fiala who is the only equivalent of Kaprizov but both are right wingers. On paper this team is terrible up front. At least the D is solid and so far Talbot has been very good.

These West Coast games are going to be the death of me. Getting to bed later and being angry because the Wild lost a game that was winnable.

Things from the 1-0 lose to the Ducks?

I liked Sturm's game. He should end up having a pretty decent, lengthy career in the NHL. I don't see him ever being Top 6, but I think he could end up being a decent enough 3C. Not exactly sure how many faceoffs he has had this year, but he is winning them at a 67% clip. That is one of those "small things" teams need to do to win.

I will say enough is enough with having Rask center Parise/Kaprizov. I know that 3rd line of Greenway/Ek/Foligno has looked pretty good whenever they are on the ice, but they just aren't a skilled, scoring line. They will get some goals, but they shouldn't be considered the line that scores on a nightly basis. So maybe it's time to break that up and fiddle some more. And agree with Gump on Greenway.

Kaprizov is no longer a secret and it looks like teams have already started game planning for him. Now he needs to take his game to the next level. That's how fast things move and change in the NHL. Along with that, Fiala needs to stop parking on the PP for the one-timer. His wrister is good enough to move with the puck and find holes. And yes, Bjugstad finally looked like he knew he was in an NHL game. Just wished he would have taken a second before lifting that backhand over the net. Actually, I think that is something all the Wild players need to do right now, just slow things down when getting to shoot and pick your spot. Yes, asking for snipes from the Wild. Since I haven't given a lineup for a while, that's what I will end with.

Parise / Bjugstad / Kaprizov (Bug gets a couple more games)
Johansson / Eriksson-Ek / Fiala
Greenway / Bonino / Foligno
Mayhew / Sturm / Hartman

Caveat to this is if Bjugstad struggles, he is dropped to 4th line and all Cs move up 1 line. Why are the Wild cursed with a roster of nothing but 3Cs? And done with Rask, as his only highlight play so far was put on a platter for him by Kirill. So out he goes and Mayhew comes in with a little fire and speed. Can you imagine a future line of Mayhew/Rossi/Zuccarello? The little man squad.