Wild Team Surprisingly Fast, Is Gabby Out?

by MN Wild Freak on Oct 13, 2008 10:31 AM CDT Comment 3 comments

As I sat down on my sofa Friday to watch the Minnesota Wild Home Opener, I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous and skeptical of the 2008-2009 Minnesota Wild. On paper, it appeared as though they had taken a step backwards at a crucial time for the franchise. I wasn’t sure how this scoring starved franchise was going to replace the scoring of Demitra & Rolston. I was worried that the franchise was relying too much on their homegrown young talent. Most of all, I was concerned that the 2008-2009 team would lack an identity.

Luckily, what I witnessed was a Wild team that appears to be faster, better skaters, better passers and extremely confident in its approach. Eric Belanger seems to have picked up a step and is playing with much more confidence than last year. Brent Burns seems to have continued his rise into a premier NHL defenseman. Niklas Backstrom picked up where he left last year as an “iron Curtain” in front of the net. The addition of Marc-Andre Bergeron has added some much need defensive speed and puck moving ability. Most importantly, for the first time in franchise history, the players didn’t seem to simply wait for Marian Gaborik do something. Instead, they all played with intensity while relying on their own abilities in the victory. I just hope that this isn’t a sign that they know it is inevitable that Gaborik will be traded.

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Gaborik

As Nate said in his main page post, Gabby was stuck with the checkers, but I don’t feel that indicates he is on his way out…yet. If he puts forth the same kind of effort I saw on Saturday however, he may be on his way out.

But you are right, very small sample size, but what I saw, for the most part, impressed me. If you watched Detroit last year, their team succeded by, to steal a baseball phrase, “players not trying to do too much.” The scorers scored, the checkers checked, and the passers went tape to tape.

Owen Nolan, while ancient, will provide this team an identity. I enjoyed his not backing down from Zdeno, and he will provide much needed old-skool leadership. And frankly, his style fits the Minnesota hockey tradition. And, how could he not like it here? He is excited to have the Liffey right across the road after games.

by mbennett on Oct 13, 2008 11:36 AM CDT reply actions

Ha!

Yeah, I could definitely see Nolan finding himself staring into a Guiness at the Liffey or Half-Time Rec from time to time.

by nathaneide on Oct 13, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Gaborik

Hmm…yes, I have to agree with you, Gaborik is not likely going to be with the Wild next year. I’m glad the boys seem to be recognizing that everyone really needs to be picking up the slack. I thought it was really interesting that Belanger was the big scorer in this game – two goals in the opener, after scoring a total of 13 goals last year and not having a multiple goal game in a year and a half. Hopefully a sign that they’re really stepping it up…my fingers are crossed for someone to have a breakout year. :-)

by cortneystorsved on Oct 13, 2008 5:19 PM CDT reply actions