Wilderness Walks

Wilderness Walk: Not Quite Gameday Edition

Just one more sleep until the end of the second offseason (or 5 day break, whatever) as the Wild prepare for the late shift in Arizona.

By bjvcampbell Oct 14, 2015, 8:00am CDT

Still one more day separating us from more Wild hockey as the team prepares to do battle with a surprising Arizona team followed by the always-tough Kings and Ducks in a series of later games. Fortunately, the Sunday game is at 7, so we will get to start Monday a little fresher. The Coyotes have started hot on the back of locked-in netminder Mike Smith, the guy whose contract made it possible for the Wild to acquire Devan Dubnyk last year. The Kings have had the opposite start, failing to launch early on. The Ducks are who we think they are. Going to be a tough roadshow.

The good news is that the team figures to be at almost full strength with Justin Fontaine returning to the lineup. However, it appears that Tyler Graovac won't be ready, so we will get to see Chowdah Charlie Coyle playing the pivot with Thomas Vanek and the Fonz. That's a pretty compelling third line, and it's going to take their production to help move through the big and heavy California teams.

Today's musical selection is brought to you by a local favorite, Apollo Cobra, whose infectious dance rhythms should get you out of your chair. We Walk.

Wild News

Wild's Tyler Graovac to Miss a Couple Weeks
The Charlie Coyle ping pong will continue to land at the pivot for a bit.

Tyler Graovac out at least 2 weeks; Star Tribune Fans Night Out; 11-year-old starts Wild blog - StarTribune.com
Expected bad news on the Tyler Graovac front.

Good and bad of the Minnesota Wild's opening week - Along the Boards
Despite being 2-0-0, the Minnesota Wild have plenty to love and plenty dislike after opening week of the NHL.

Wild Watch: Matt Dumba Maturing
Our Wild Watch player previews continue with Minnesota's youngest player; promising defenseman Mathew Dumba.

Why the NHL Should Take Doctor-Gate Seriously | State of Hockey News
Derek Felska

Skating coaches Diane, Andy Ness push Wild, NHL stars to improve - StarTribune.com
Local pro hockey players swear by the mother-son tandem of skating coaches Diane and Andy Ness.

Minnesota Wild are No. 37 in Ultimate Standings
In ESPN The Magazine's annual ranking of 122 pro sports teams, the Minnesota Wild are No. 37. The Wild's strong showing benefited most from a 13th-ranked stadium experience.

On Frozen Pond

Women's college hockey power rankings: Whoa-ful Wisconsin - Along the Boards
Along the Boards revises its women's college hockey power rankings, with Wisconsin, Bemidji State and Quinnipiac each working their way up the ladder.

Off The Trail

Ducks' Stoner draws protesters outside Honda Center - Sportsnet.ca
A small group of vocal protesters has gathered outside Honda Center to call for the suspension of Anaheim Ducks defenceman Clayton Stoner, who faces charges in Canada for illegally shooting a grizzly bear.

Sabres 4, Blue Jackets 2 | Three games, three losses | BlueJackets Xtra
All you must read is the lede. But you MUST read it, as it is perfect.

Blues coach says Robby Fabbri played three shifts after concussion - CBSSports.com
Playing three shifts after a concussion is something that is not supposed to happen.

Attention Roy: Barrie needs your help - Article - TSN
Wait, defense is an issue in Colorado?

NHL Three Stars: Neuvirth blanks Panthers; Tavares, Moulson help deliver wins | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: NHL Three Stars: Neuvirth blanks Panthers; Tavares, Moulson help deliver wins