Back to the NHL!
The Olympics were a fantastic showing of sport, as always. Three Wild players returned to the State of Hockey with medals: Mikko Koivu, Niklas Backstrom, and Antti Miettinen all with bronze for Team Finland. But now, the NHL Olympic break has concluded, and teams are getting back into action. The Wild have played three games since their return, and there are only nine home games left in the season.

The first order of business is to discuss Trade Deadline Day (cue the scary music and suspenseful lighting). But really, don't cue those things. Cue the kittens, if anything. The Wild were surprisingly quiet on D Day for a team hunting (limping is more accurate) for a playoff spot. Their only move was to send veteran Eric Belanger to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a second-round draft pick in the upcoming 2010 draft. It wasn't a bad move, as Bella would have been an unrestricted free agent following this season anyway, and the Wild have forwards to spare with Chuck Kobasew recently returning to the lineup. Also, the Wild acquired a draft pick, which is always nice, since the Risebrough era robbed them of several young prospects in past drafts. Yet even though this was a good move, I wanted more. Fans always do. If they pay money for tickets, they expect on-ice results. Which leads me to...

The past two games were huge disappointments. I'll skip the first Calgary Flames game, as I didn't get the chance to see the Wild annihilate the Flames 4-0, and go right to Edmonton. The Oilers are 4-25-2 in their last 31 games. But don't start with the "Aww, poor Edmonton!"s just yet, as one of those four wins was granted to them by the Wild. Minnesota lost in a shootout on Friday and gained only one point where there should have been two. I don't want to say that Edmonton's the worst team in the entire NHL, but yes, Edmonton is (standings-wise) the worst team in the NHL. This loss was embarrassing.

Sunday saw a home game against the Flames, and is it ever true that you can't beat a team twice. Despite two incredible goals from Guillaume Latendresse (this team would be an Edmonton without him), Jarome Iginla pulled off a hat trick, and the referees made some insanely stupid calls against the Wild (Koivu bumps Toskala, gets penalty; Zanon takes a hook, nothing; Nolan tosses Hagman around like a ragdoll, fans cheer, Nolan is sent to box... etc, etc). The boos were loud and raucous at the X, and I'm starting to think that perhaps the Wild don't want a playoff spot.

Here's the thing: Sunday was also the 400th consecutive sellout for the franchise, giving them one of the longest sellout streaks in NHL history. What does that tell you about Minnesota fans? We love the game. But just because we have such a passion for the sport does not mean we enjoy watching a team play purely mediocre hockey for ten years. It's gotten to the point for me where I want success from this club. If the fans pay up, they should be getting their money's worth. And that is that.

If only, if only this team knew how to string a few wins together.

State of the Union – They’re not quite the worst, but they’re getting there. Minnesota holds on to 12th place - as of Sunday - in the West with a loose grip

Games on the Record – The Wild beat Calgary in their first showing after the Olympic break, then fell to Edmonton and the Flames later in the week. Their next game is at home tonight against the Florida Panthers, and I’m going.

Trades – Eric Belanger went for a 2010 draft pick. A good trade, but not fantastic. I wanted a little more oomph out of Deadline Day. Also, Marek Zidlicky, the defenseman everyone thought would be moved, signed a three-year extension with the Wild. So did fiery fan favorite Cal Clutterbuck, who got a significant raise for his physical play.

Injuries – Just as winger Chuck Kobasew returned from a knee problem, Cal Clutterbuck is now listed as day-to-day. Replacement Petr Kalus was called up from the Aeros, and he will make his Wild debut tonight. Nothing has been released about Clutter's condition, but he is a key piece of this team’s backbone that I would hate for them to lose to injury.

Hot/Not – Guillaume Latendresse and Marty Havlat continue to be dynamic, lighting the lamp more than any other two forwards for the Wild recently. On the other hand is Derek Boogaard, who still claims the longest NHL goalless streak. He was suspended for two games for kneeing an Oiler in Edmonton. Boo. And not in a good way.

Written by :

Ms. Wild