It's all over but the golfing, Wilderness. Last night was a true experience to behold, and a welcome one to be sure. It has been far too long since I got to see the Wild play like... well, like the Wild. There was a ton of pride on the ice last night, and the boys deserved the ovation they got to end the game. As negative as the end of the season was, is was nice to see them end that way.
Some notes on Hockey Wilderness as we go forward: The Walk will continue, but will shift to some headlines regarding the playoffs and anything that might come up on the Wild or Aeros along the way. We will begin some in depth looks at what happened this season, what we think should happen this summer, draft coverage, free agencycoverage, and everything else that comes with the off-season, shortly. Give us a couple days to absorb it all and get our bearings.
Meanwhile, checkout the Facebook Question of the Day, and download your Playoff Bracket Challenge 2011. It is complete now, with all match-ups set. Be sure you re-seed after each round, OK? The highest seed in each round gets the lowest seed.
Final Wild Position:
12th in the West, 21st overall. Will draft in the 10th position.
Wild News
Richards' future in question, but coach still seeks answers | StarTribune.com - The final Russo gamer for the season. Enjoy.
Theodore has one guy's back, but not three | StarTribune.com - Theo played a phenomenal game, phenomenal year. He's deserves to be a number one.
Wild subjects NHL to a lot more Chelsea Dagger: Blackhawks in playoffs | StarTribune.com - You're welcome, Chicago.
Goal of the night: Colton Gillies whirling backhander crushes Dallas | ProHockeyTalk - Gillies played well. We could very well see him next year.
Goalie Niklas Backstrom says too few shots, too many mistakes hurt Wild this season - TwinCities.com - Among other things, but yes, they need to shoot the puck.
A bittersweet ending to Minnesota Wild's season - TwinCities.com - Le sigh.
Tom Powers: No quick fixes for down-and-out Wild - TwinCities.com - You should read this. It reads like a three-year-old who got his truck taken away. Enjoy your summer, Tom.
System News
The Third Intermission: Aeros To Face Peoria; First Game On Wednesday - Will Wild fans be paying attention?
Monica's Meanderings
From Abdelkader to Zuccarello – 11 April 2011 | The Hockey Writers - NHL Recap
Off the Trail
On the ice with the Houston Aeros | News | Goalie News, photos, info, tips, techniques by Goaltenders for Goaltenders - I really hope all of you will read this. Heather Galindo, Ms. Conduct herself, donned the pads and took some shots from the Aeros. Very cool story.
Your 2011 Stanley Cup Playoff first-round TV schedule - Puck Daddy - NHL Blog - Yahoo! Sports - You may want to bookmark this one.