Dan Wallace: West Coast Trip May Tell The Wild Tale

Agreed Dan, but it's clear Budreau is simply biding his time until he's fired. My guess is that he's gone before christmas. This team lacks a lot of things which is not BB's fault, but to continue to trot out the same ol' same ol' especially in the 3 on 3 OT to me is inexcusable.

I mean he's seen it for the last 3 years and knows it's not a winning formula, so with guys like Donato, Fiala, Kunin and Greenway not being considered for the likes of Koivu, Suter and Parise? Slow, old past there prime players that haven't been able to cut the mustard for the past few years?....

Time for major change and that needs to start with coaching on down... This season is all but lost already and there are no signs of this squad coming together and pulling off a miraculous run like the Blues did last season. I don't believe it's possible with this group. Too old, too slow and a coach stuck in the past.

Well, I found my optimist side today. I stayed up and watched the entire game last night and am happy that I did. I saw something that I haven't seen much of this year. The Wild actually looked engaged last night. Once Fiala scored that first goal, which was a product of players actually moving around in the offensive zone and tape to tape passes, it looked like they cared about the game. It was nice to see them reach down and play with some jump in their skates. Like I said in a previous post, that goal scored by Fiala against the Blues might just jump start him. Another game, another goal...and he just looked better on the ice afterwards as well.

Things from the game. I am still scared to death of the goaltending. If Stalock is the best goalie on this roster, that's a very bad thing. Dubnyk needs to get his head on straight and just relax. Soucy looked very rusty for being out just one game. Fiala's goal to cut the Ducks lead to 2-1 was a beauty! Crisp, tape to tape passes and Fiala did not hesitate 1 second to fire that shot on goal. Zuccarello's goal was a tad bit of luck as he had just climbed over the boards. But it's nice to know that he can score on breakaways...he didn't make it complicated by using 1000s dekes, he just skated in and shot 5 hole...nice!

Staal's goal happened because of some really good cycling and just keeping a good net front presence. Greenway needs to start showing the same kind of hands as Staal has been showing. Eriksson Ek was VERY physical last night and played the role of 4th line C well. If he could become a Kyle Brodziak type player, that would bode well for the Wild. Just wish he was better at face-offs. Staal was an incredible 11 out of 14 on FOs. And I think Parise is going to end up being the king of empty net goals. Hopefully, that empty netter will spark something in him as well. I felt a little bad for Donato at one point, as the announcers ragged on him for not burying a shot...well, the pass was in his feet and basically killed his opportunity for a great chance. But other than that, he looks like a child playing with men. Just not fitting in at all.

Defensively, I think the Wild did a pretty good job of mostly keeping the Ducks outside and on the boards. There were a few times they were able to get into the front of the net and that's when goals happened. But for the most part they kept them outside. Hopefully that drives a little more confidence into them. The PK looked ok...nothing great about it last night, but if was effective. And for the PP, I really think they need to keep Dumba near the blue line and off to the right side. Let him use that howitzer from there. Teams seem to be rushing at him when he gets the puck on the left side around the circle. And that's when he makes bad choices and kills the PP.

On another side, I would swear I just read a recent interview with BB that he said after that OT loss to the Blues that the Wild will definitely being doing something else for the 3-on-3s going forward. I don't really look at most of everything going on being BB's fault, or that he is just mailing it in until he is let go. I think both he and Guerin, along with Fenton before him, were given the command from Leipold to be playing the vets more, as they are the "key" to winning...remember, this is Leipold that is saying this, IMO.

The hope is that Leipold is finally starting to see that this team is no longer "just a tweak away" from contending, and that it all needs to basically be started over. I still think that there is some key youth that needs to have more playing time in Kunin, Greenway, Fiala and maybe Mayhew (although he might be considered a little long in the tooth for this) and be the building blocks for the next couple of years. I will say that I was disappointed that I don't remember seeing Greenway out on the PP. Stop with the Koivu, Suter, Zucker PPs of the past. Let's see something like Kunin, Zuccarello, Fiala, Dumba and Hunt as the 1st PP unit. Then run something like Koivu, Parise, Zucker, Spurgeon and Brodin as the 2nd PP. Keep Staal and Suter off if possible, so they can have more energy for 5 on 5.

If a game makes it to OT, they should start with Kunin, Fiala and Dumba. I am not looking for defense here, I want the Wild to control with offense. Fiala is made for open ice. Next out, put Suter, Zuccarello and Zucker. Just stop with the Staal and Koivu on the ice. I understand wanting a C out there for the face-off, but if the name of the game is speed in OT, you can't have them. 3rd unit I would run Spurgeon, Greenway and Zucker. Zucker should excel at OT, and Spurgeon is probably close to keeping up with him.

I also watched the entire game Gus, but let's face it, the Ducks aren't exactly world beaters and the Wild (no matter how bad or well they are playing) should be able to compete with them.

As far as Donato, i can now see why Boston was so quick to get rid of him and Gus is right, he does look like boy against men. He's so easily knocked off the puck it's not even a contest. His attempts at a forecheck are futile and If he doesn't have time and space in the offensive zone, he's a complete non-factor. Watching the kid try to finish a check is almost comical (although i give him credit for trying).

At this point Donato just doesn't look like he's cut out for NHL play. In this day and age of the NHL, gotta have more than just a good shot, which seems to be about all he has at this point, but if he never has time and space it's moot anyway.

Well, I found my optimist side today. I stayed up and watched the entire game last night and am happy that I did. I saw something that I haven't seen much of this year. The Wild actually looked engaged last night. Once Fiala scored that first goal, which was a product of players actually moving around in the offensive zone and tape to tape passes, it looked like they cared about the game. It was nice to see them reach down and play with some jump in their skates. Like I said in a previous post, that goal scored by Fiala against the Blues might just jump start him. Another game, another goal...and he just looked better on the ice afterwards as well.

Things from the game. I am still scared to death of the goaltending. If Stalock is the best goalie on this roster, that's a very bad thing. Dubnyk needs to get his head on straight and just relax. Soucy looked very rusty for being out just one game. Fiala's goal to cut the Ducks lead to 2-1 was a beauty! Crisp, tape to tape passes and Fiala did not hesitate 1 second to fire that shot on goal. Zuccarello's goal was a tad bit of luck as he had just climbed over the boards. But it's nice to know that he can score on breakaways...he didn't make it complicated by using 1000s dekes, he just skated in and shot 5 hole...nice!

Staal's goal happened because of some really good cycling and just keeping a good net front presence. Greenway needs to start showing the same kind of hands as Staal has been showing. Eriksson Ek was VERY physical last night and played the role of 4th line C well. If he could become a Kyle Brodziak type player, that would bode well for the Wild. Just wish he was better at face-offs. Staal was an incredible 11 out of 14 on FOs. And I think Parise is going to end up being the king of empty net goals. Hopefully, that empty netter will spark something in him as well. I felt a little bad for Donato at one point, as the announcers ragged on him for not burying a shot...well, the pass was in his feet and basically killed his opportunity for a great chance. But other than that, he looks like a child playing with men. Just not fitting in at all.

Defensively, I think the Wild did a pretty good job of mostly keeping the Ducks outside and on the boards. There were a few times they were able to get into the front of the net and that's when goals happened. But for the most part they kept them outside. Hopefully that drives a little more confidence into them. The PK looked ok...nothing great about it last night, but if was effective. And for the PP, I really think they need to keep Dumba near the blue line and off to the right side. Let him use that howitzer from there. Teams seem to be rushing at him when he gets the puck on the left side around the circle. And that's when he makes bad choices and kills the PP.
- Gusrichards

I agree with everything you said. The goaltending is bad. However, I want to believe that Zuccarello and Fiala will keep giving the spark to this team on the ice. Also, if Dubnyk finds his game, there is a chance that this team could compete.

If Leipold understands that a major retooling needs to be done, then I think there is no point for Guerin to fire BB yet anyway. The question is, does Koivu have value at the deadline, and if so, will he be traded and at what price.

I agree with everything you said. The goaltending is bad. However, I want to believe that Zuccarello and Fiala will keep giving the spark to this team on the ice. Also, if Dubnyk finds his game, there is a chance that this team could compete.

If Leipold understands that a major retooling needs to be done, then I think there is no point for Guerin to fire BB yet anyway. The question is, does Koivu have value at the deadline, and if so, will he be traded and at what price.
- stay@home-guy

I think Koivu has tremendous value. But, would he be open to a trade having spent his entire career in a Wild sweater?

He could potentially add tremendous depth at the center position for any playoff team. Not very fast but still a damn good 2 way player. I mean he's not going to garner any 1st round picks or top 6 players, but could net a nice prospect and maybe a 2nd or mid round pick.

I highly doubt he would waive his no move clause though...

As much as scoring is an issue, goaltending is an even bigger one. The Wild are still a sound defensive team and the stats back it up.

At 5v5 they rank top 10 in the following categories:

Least amount of one timer shots allowed
Least amount of shots allowed from the slot area
Least amount of shots allowed in the crease area

And in games with Dubnyk in net they’re also top 10 in average shot distance allowed, meaning they’re doing an excellent job of keeping teams to the outside at 5v5

Not fair to blame BB for the defense because clearly the system is fine defensively but goaltending has been a letdown with Dubnyk seemingly declining or just not being in the right state of mind. And Stalock isn’t exactly starting goalie material either.

I think Koivu has tremendous value. But, would he be open to a trade having spent his entire career in a Wild sweater?

He could potentially add tremendous depth at the center position for any playoff team. Not very fast but still a damn good 2 way player. I mean he's not going to garner any 1st round picks or top 6 players, but could net a nice prospect and maybe a 2nd or mid round pick.

I highly doubt he would waive his no move clause though...
- MnGump

I think this all comes down to whether Koivu wants a true shot at a Cup or not. Or if he thinks "well, they aren't going to resign me after this year, why should I waive my NMC and let the Wild get something for me, when I can just sign somewhere next year"...I don't see anything that would cause bitterness between them, but stranger things have happened as well.

Winnipeg is desperate for defensive stay at home player. Maybe Brodin for Ehlers trade?

So, as normal with season, I'm looking to the future and am not expecting anything from this season. With that, looking over cap #s, I wonder if Guerin has some type of plan in mind on trading Suter this year, or in the next couple? The reason I wonder about that, is the Wild (starting next year) will have $21 mil locked up in just 3 defensemen....Suter, Dumba and Spurgeon. Dumba is the "cheapest" of the 3 and youngest, so I don't see a reason to trade him. Spurgeon was just signed to another 7 years after this year. I don't see that as a contract that would be easy to move. So that leaves Suter. I just can't see Guerin thinking that Suter is part of the future of the Wild, even though they still have him under contract for 5 more years after this year.

Saying that, I think Suter is going to be the subject of trade rumors this year. Yeah, the contract ain't all that great, but he is still a Top 15, maybe Top 10 Dman in the league right now. Would a Suter for Nylander/Spezza trade work? I know that the Leafs are looking at getting rid of someone to open up a spot for Hyman to come back...and they need defense. My guess is that Nylander is the easiest of their forwards that they can part with. Maybe try to be sneaky and throw in Mennell from the Wild for Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, as I don't see the Leafs needing a C for a while. Just trying to be creative here and find a way to start improving the Wild for the future, while making them the oldest and slowest team in the NHL for this year. That's why I want Spezza.

Winnipeg is desperate for defensive stay at home player. Maybe Brodin for Ehlers trade?
- stay@home-guy

I have no problem moving on from Brodin, but the Wild need RWs, are at least righty shooting players. They have a severe lack of those. So we would have looking at Laine...and I can't even fathom that trade in my dream world. At least not for Brodin, as much as I would jump at that trade in a heartbeat!

The glut of LWs that the Wild have (and EVERYONE on the team shoots lefty) is kind of head-scratching, but it's the roster that Fenton left the Wild with.

Saying that, I think Suter is going to be the subject of trade rumors this year. Yeah, the contract ain't all that great, but he is still a Top 15, maybe Top 10 Dman in the league right now. Would a Suter for Nylander/Spezza trade work?
- Gusrichards

I think Guerin is pondering the idea of trading Suter, however I don't think Toronto would do it as they will be having difficult times with the cap. And if Guerin would be able to do it (maybe Islanders), I can't see a young top 6 forward coming back. Suter is great player, but too slow to have enough value.

Dumba, as good of a player he is, have not played well lately. In the ducks game he did a lot of mistakes with puck handling etc. I dont think the fan base would like the idea of trading him, but if the defense would stay good enough with Suter, Spurgeon & Brodin, maybe a guy like Laine or Oliver Wahlstrom (plus) would be a nice cure for Wild offence.

I think Guerin is pondering the idea of trading Suter, however I don't think Toronto would do it as they will be having difficult times with the cap. And if Guerin would be able to do it (maybe Islanders), I can't see a young top 6 forward coming back. Suter is great player, but too slow to have enough value.

Dumba, as good of a player he is, have not played well lately. In the ducks game he did a lot of mistakes with puck handling etc. I dont think the fan base would like the idea of trading him, but if the defense would stay good enough with Suter, Spurgeon & Brodin, maybe a guy like Laine or Oliver Wahlstrom (plus) would be a nice cure for Wild offence.
- stay@home-guy

I'd like to see Spurgeon, Suter, Brodin and Dumba offered up... Suter still a solid defensive puck moving D man, but his game is slipping. Brodin, also solid defensive d man with a little more speed, but just never developed into that 2 way d man most thought he would be and can be plugged into pretty much any 2nd pairing on most teams. Dumba still has a ton of unrealized potential IMO, but yes still making bone headed decisions that usually cost the team and i think pretty much any team would love to acquire him at a reasonable cost. If either Suter or Brodin cannot be moved, i wouldn't mind seeing Spurgeon dealt.

I'd like to see Spurgeon, Suter, Brodin and Dumba offered up... Suter still a solid defensive puck moving D man, but his game is slipping. Brodin, also solid defensive d man with a little more speed, but just never developed into that 2 way d man most thought he would be and can be plugged into pretty much any 2nd pairing on most teams. Dumba still has a ton of unrealized potential IMO, but yes still making bone headed decisions that usually cost the team and i think pretty much any team would love to acquire him at a reasonable cost. If either Suter or Brodin cannot be moved, i wouldn't mind seeing Spurgeon dealt.
- MnGump

Well Gump, that would certainly kickstart the dismantling of the Wild to start in on the rebuild...trading away the top 2 defensive pairings. I honestly would like to see a couple of them moved, preferably in the order that you have their names in at the start of your post.

Well Gump, that would certainly kickstart the dismantling of the Wild to start in on the rebuild...trading away the top 2 defensive pairings. I honestly would like to see a couple of them moved, preferably in the order that you have their names in at the start of your post.
- Gusrichards

I didn’t mean ALL of them, but wouldn’t mind 2 for some picks and prospects