Wilderness Walk: Burning Bright

The Wild are red hot on the road, not having failed to gain at least one point during road games since November. Granted, that was the tail end of November, but it still feels so good to write that. The Wild have a chance to keep that streak going tonight against the Calgary Flames. Since the Wild are burning through the league while on the road AND they play the Flames tonight, I thought I would steal a page from fellow Wilderness writer mngrrrrl and post a bit of poetry in lieu of the normal music selection today. So click on that video and enjoy some culture while you read your hockey news brought to you by the Hockey Wilderness.

Wild News

Wild blister Oilers with strong efforts by role players Graovac, Kuemper – Twin Cities

Recap

Wild continues climb with victory over Oilers - StarTribune.com
Recap

Wild: Boudreau says Mikko Koivu should win Selke Trophy
I appreciate Gabby speaking up for his players. And for stating the obvious.

Friendly competition heats up Wild lines - StarTribune.com
Internal competition should help players keep their edge. That fourth line is on top of the pile... for now.

The Wild Show Loyalty to Minnesota-Born Players
It's a smart angle for the Wild to develop. There are worse tie-breakers when an UFA is deciding where to sign.

Devan Dubnyk 'a perfect fit' for the Wild

It's been long enough since we last read an article gushing about Dubnyk, right?

Tending the Fields

Tom Oates: Talent, attitude have rebuilding Wisconsin men's hockey program way ahead of schedule | College | journaltimes.com
Luke Kunin is not specifically mentioned, but he is definitely part of the talent of Wisconsin's team. There are a lot of similarities between the Wild and the Badgers, and I'm not talking about Ryan Suter.

Prospect Need to Know: 10 players who impressed at Top Prospects Game | The Hockey News
GMs, get out your shopping lists.

On Frozen Pond

Fmr. Ms. Hockey finalist finds home with Crashed Ice | KARE11.com
WHAT IS THIS AND HOW DO I GET MORE OF IT INTO MY LIFE!?

GOPHERSPORTS.COM WCHA Names Stecklein Player of the Week | University of Minnesota Official Athletic Site :: Women's Ice Hockey
She's got skills.

College hockey: Minnesota Duluth back on top of USCHO.com rankings | NCAA.com
The Bulldogs are back on top for the ninth time this season. There has been a crazy amount of turnover at the top spot this season.

Behind Enemy Lines - Matchsticks & Gasoline

Calgary Flames Playoff Update - Matchsticks and Gasoline
A weekly look at playoff % and teams around the Flames

Off the Trail

St. Louis Blues fire Ken Hitchcock, replace him with Mike Yeo - Sportsnet.ca
BREAKING: Doug Armstrong has fired Ken Hitchcock and former Wild head coach Mike Yeo takes over a bit earlier than planned.

St. Louis Blues fire coach Ken Hitchcock, promote Mike Yeo to head coach - St. Louis Game Time
And here's the story from our friends at St. Louis Game Time.

The Biggest Weakness for the Top Stanley Cup Contenders in 2016-17 | Bleacher Report
I've personally never thought the "playoff mental block" had much going for it. The playoffs feature the top half of the league playing each other with a small sample size. The Capitals didn't lose last year because they're head cases, but because they went up against another really strong team and happened to lose. The Wild have lost in the playoffs because they went up against teams (and stanchions) that were simply better than them.

New streamlined goalie pants get mixed reviews from all-stars | The Hockey News
High street fashion can be off-putting for some.

Five teams worth watching as the trade deadline approaches | The Hockey News
Will the Wild find a trading partner among these five teams?

It’s a late one tonight, 9 pm, but you can watch in the comfort of your jam jams on FSN.