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The sun is rising on yet another day without Wild hockey. The NHL schedule has dictated another abnormally long layoff of 3 complete days in this very early part of the schedule. But never fear, that just means more back-to-backs later! Another gift of the NHL schedule. The awkward fits and starts early this season the Wild are experiencing would hold any team back from falling into rhythm. However, this particular break could be an advantage to a Wild team that is struggling defensively, allowing too many shots and not giving enough support to the goaltenders.
The days off should be used to examine the Wild in their own zone. We've already seen a conscious uncoupling of the 2nd and 3rd defensive pairing, and the resistance of coach Yeo to go back to last year's pairings has been admirable. Reverting to those pairings would all but guarantee Ryan Suter's minutes to skyrocket, and the coach is clearly trying to get a couple of guys going in the bottom pairs and pushing them to develop chemistry. Knowing this team, defensive struggles are very treatable, and the Wild need to use this time to get back to their brand of defensive hockey.
Today, we look back to a pivotal moment in Wild history and Walk to the beat of the Heartbreakers, who know exactly how we feel on days without hockey.
Today in 2009, @mnwild named Mikko Koivu as the first permanent Captain in franchise history pic.twitter.com/xyMbU06zfq
— Vintage MN Hockey (@VintageMNHockey) October 20, 2015
Wild News
Hometown Hockey: Dreams realized for Yeo - Sportsnet.ca
Minnesota Wild head coach and North Bay native, Mike Yeo was the kind of young player that was never expected to make the NHL.
Wild working with Matt Dumba to evade potential sophomore slump - StarTribune.com
And working to save Tony from a broken heart.
Wild Xtra: A year of Whiskey and Lemon Bars - Articles - Articles - Homepage - Wild Xtra
Happy Birthday to WX
Shuffle the deck: Defense - Minnesota Wild - Articles - Homepage - Wild Xtra
A popular topic of discussion
Wild Thought of the Day 10-19-15 | Wild Blog on KFAN FM 100.3
The radio home of the Wild is offering a daily thought on said team.
Tending the Fields
Bertschy Adjusting to New Life in Iowa
Christoph Bertschy transitions from Switzerland
Building Hockey Skills
Tapping Into Hockey Sense
Is this like using the force?
The ultimate stickhandling move
Let's Play Hockey is your resource for hockey news from around the Upper Midwest.
Prepping to play goal: an ersatz goalie's guide | Wild Xtra
Remember that story about Mark Sertich, the 94-year old hockey player from Duluth who still gets out and gets after it a couple times a week? He, as much as any Gretzky or Hasek, is one of my hockey heroes at this point.
On Frozen Pond
Nebraska-Omaha's taco cannon ready for its big debut | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Not a MN team, but a must-read for cawlidge hawkey fans.
Off The Trail
NWHL Three Stars: Pride put up 7 goals on Riveters; Power play big for Whale | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Welcome to the first 3 Stars for the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)
NHL Power Rankings: Montreal Canadiens still No. 1 - NHL - SI.com
The Wild are on the move. 4 of top 5 from Conference III
NHL Players Poll: Who is the most underrated player in hockey? | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
A familiar face makes his way into this poll.
NHL Players Poll: Which team has the worst home ice? | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: We asked 27 NHL players – skaters and goalies, veteran and rookies – which NHL arena has the worst ice. And there was an overwhelming favorite as the League’s mushiest, sloppiest rink.
Nicklas Backstrom Returns With a Bang
Nicklas Backstrom returns to the Washington Capitals lineup on the second line. Will he stay there?
Brent Burns's giant beard: Pros and cons - Along The Boards
Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks has a giant beard. What are some of the beard's pros and cons? How does it effect his overall gameplay?