Well, Wild fans. Here we are again. It's mid-July and after a busy free agency and a not-so-busy draft, we're into the wasteland of Minnesota sports. That means there's only one thing to do: look ahead to games that won't even be played for another 3 months. There are many intriguing match-ups on this year's schedule, but I've narrowed it down to the 5 most intriguing (to me, anyway). So without further ado, let's get this party started.
October 15th vs Winnipeg
Ah, yes, the home opener. Another season of hockey comes back to St. Paul, and it's ushered in by a battle with Central Division rivals the Winnipeg Jets. Last season, the Jets had our number, winning 4 of the 5 games of the season series, and this year, they've gotten even better with the (presumed) addition of Kyle Conner, Michigan's stud freshman last year. The Jets are a team who's fans travel well, at least to the Twin Cities anyway. Expect a good, hard-fought game, and some friendly ribbing if you're lucky enough to be at the X for this one.
January 8 at Anaheim
Bruce Boudreau is back in SoCal for the first time since being fired after the Ducks were bounced from the playoffs by Nashville, and he's bringing Chris Stewart along for the ride. The Ducks have perennially dominated the Wild, though last year the Wild seemed to be able to play with them, despite losing 2 of the 3 games. Expect a touching video tribute to Gabby, and for Chris Stewart to drop the gloves.
February 12th vs Detroit
Thomas Vanek didn't last long in Minnesota, but in that time, he became one of the most polarizing players in team history. Some loved his commitment to offense, others hated that he often disappeared when it mattered most, and nearly everybody hated his plus/minus rating. So how can you overlook his return to the X? Will he be booed? Will the obligatory video tribute include that header to the clear the zone? Will Kevin Gorg ever get a wig? Who knows, but we'll find out in a matinee match-up (except for that Gorg thing. That was just to fill out the list).
April 6th at Colorado
Some people, including me, would say every game against the Avalanche is a must watch, but this one is even more so. In the second-to-last game of the season, possibly with a playoff spot on the line, the Wild travel to Denver to take on their most hated rival. There's no way this isn't going to be one of the best games of the season. Unless both of us and the Avs are completely out of the playoffs, then it's meaningless. Still Patrick Roy might make a funny face.
December 11th vs St Louis
I've saved to most intriguing game for last. Mike Yeo makes his return to St Paul, and he's doing it as the assistant (and future head) coach of the St Louis Blues. Everyone remembers Mike Yeo's roller coaster tenure with the Wild. In his first year, the team lead the NHL in points, yet come April, they were golfing. Then GMCF brings in Parise and Suter, and so began the era of getting bounced in the playoffs by the Blackhawks. Then last season, it finally became too much for management to take, and he was fired after losing 13 of 14 in January and February. Yeo was never the prophet people hoped he would be after he took the Aeros to the Calder Cup finals, and he was accused of being bullheaded and favoring his veterans. Still, he won 2 playoff series, which ties the record for most by a coach in team history, and his schemes definitely had merits. Yeo was a coach who deserved better here, and he gets his chance with St Louis.
No comments:
Post a Comment