Forecasting the NW Division - Matchsticks and Gasoline
Our friends in Calgary breakdown the Northwest Division. Take a read and leave irritated comments (though I think they are more than fair to the Wild).

Briere stands out, Backlund doesn't in preseason finale - Broad Street Hockey
The Minnesota Wild beat the Philadelphia Flyers in preseason action on Tuesday night, 5-4 in a shootout.

Owen Nolan vs Braydon Coburn, Sep 29, 2009 3pd 01:37 - hockeyfights.com
Owen Nolan fights Braydon Coburn from the Minnesota Wild at Philadelphia Flyers game on Sep 29, 2009

Will patience last when Wild needs to start out fast? | StarTribune.com
The Wild will continue wrestling with the concept this week, as it counts down the final four days of dress rehearsals before the regular-season curtain rises Saturday in Columbus. The team anticipated a steep learning curve during training camp, what with a new, up-tempo style of play, a rookie coach and a sprinkling of roster changes. A spate of injuries to key players ensured it would take even more time to get everything in place.

Richards takes more time to fill full-time captaincy | StarTribune.com
Naming the Wild's first full-time captain in history has been put on hold. Wild coach Todd Richards said Tuesday morning he has decided not to choose a captain by Saturday's opener. Instead, the Wild will roll three alternate captains until Richards is comfortable he's found the perfect fit for the role.

Benign bump is a boost for Wild | StarTribune.com
It was like both teams agreed beforehand to get through the final 60 meaningless minutes injury-free with opening night around the corner. But Cal Clutterbuck, last year's NHL hits leader, is unable to play hockey that way.