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With the second round of the playoffs starting to take shape, it's becoming a little more real that the Wild have entered one of the most important offseasons in recent memory. Not only are there chemistry issues on an extremely inconsistent team, but there are pressing salary cap issues, decisions to be made on buyouts and a oh yeah, they have to hire a coach. This is an inflection point for the franchise. They can make the decision to pack it in, blow it up, and set up for a rebuild over the next several seasons. They can attempt to make a couple pivotal trades to potentially keep them relevant or even take them to the next level. This summer is set up to be more exciting for this team than large portions of the last season, and there is sure to be a little drama, wonder and possibly heartbreak as Craig Leipold, Chuck Fletcher and company lead us on to the future. There are a lot of people with a lot of opinions on the best way to move forward from a disappointing season, but there's really only 2 that matter. Now we wait and anticipate while they regulate.
Not even a full week of Prince tributes feel like enough, so they keep on rolling - you can't not feel good hearing this one from his very early days. We Walk:
Purpleness
Celebrating Prince for 48 hours in Minneapolis
Wild News
Inconsistency Kills the Minnesota Wild's Postseason
The Minnesota Wild lost Sunday and were eliminated from the playoffs. With the dust now settled let's take a look at the inconsistency that got them here.
About that Stars/Wild goal line conspiracy theory photo | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
When Berding saw what he had captured, he linked the photo in a Reddit thread about how close the shot was to crossing the line.
#BecauseItsTheCup
WATCH: Blues beat Blackhawks in amazing Game 7 by matter of inches - CBSSports.com
The St. Louis Blues are moving on to the second round after beating the Chicago Blackhawks in an incredible Game 7 that came down to a matter of inches.
Statistically Speaking: Big win for the Blues - Article - TSN
Goodnight, Blackhawks. We're glad to see you go. If only the Blues didn't have to win to make that happen...
Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview: Stars vs. Blues - Sportsnet.ca
The Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues are two teams with a lot to prove in these Stanley Cup Playoffs
Off The Trail
Blues organist trolls Blackhawks with ‘Chelsea Dagger’ after Game 7 (Video) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Yes, those are the dulcet tones of The Fratellis’ "Chelsea Dagger" being heard during the handshake line
2016 NHL Draft Lottery FAQ: All you need to know - Sportsnet.ca
What are the odds? Where can I watch? Where will Auston be? Here's all you need to know about the April 30 NHL Draft Lottery, live on CBC.
Flyers' Brayden Schenn faces hearing for hit on T.J. Oshie in Game 6 - CBSSports.com
The Flyers' season is over, but forward Brayden Schenn has a hearing for his hit on T.J. Oshie in Game 6.
Pavel Datsyuk will make final decision on future after World Championship - CBSSports.com
Pavel Datsyuk says his decision about next year still isn't final. He'll wait until after the World Championships to make his final call.
The NHL's Goaltending Is In Better Shape Than Ever
The importance placed upon the goaltending position has only increased in the NHL over the last few seasons as scoring across the league has fallen recently