Wilderness Walk: Black Magic

There is quite a bit of interesting news today, much of it seemingly around the Wild desperately searching for the missing ingredient from their game. Joel Eriksson Ek has been recalled from Sweden and has practiced with the Wild (although I haven’t seen any indication yet that he is expected to play tonight). The Wild have recalled Alex Stalock and he is slated to start tonight with Devan Dubnyk playing back up. Hopefully Stalock can keep his recent hot streak going for a bit and give Dubnyk a rest. Lastly, the Wild have signed a deal with former Golden Gopher captain Justin Kloos. I doubt Kloos sees any ice time with the big club, but it’s a nice get for general manager Chuck Fletcher. GMCF and his staff seem to have a knack for acquiring desirable college free agents, as that is how they landed both Christian Folin and Mike Reilly.

While I hope Stalock can provide some relief for Dubnyk and if JEE plays it is to good effect so as to not completely waste the first year of his entry-level contract, at this point I’m starting to wonder if something other than the players themselves are what is missing from the mix. In case that hunch is correct, here’s Fleetwood Mac’s Black Magic Woman to provide some mojo.

Wild News

Wild calls up goalie Alex Stalock to start Thursday - StarTribune.com
As Devan Dubnyk tries to regain early-season form, Alex Stalock was recalled from Iowa for spot duty.

Zach Parise likely to miss one Wild game after scary eye injury - StarTribune.com
The winger was hurt when the Capitals' Tom Wilson accidentally stuck him in the eye with his stick.

Joel Eriksson Ek returns to Wild 'bigger and stronger'
MN Wild top prospect Joel Eriksson Ek has returned to the team Wild 'bigger and stronger' than when he left five months ago.

Examining The Wild Penalty Kill Against Ovechkin | Zone Coverage - Cold Omaha
After Tuesday night's 5-4 overtime loss to Washington, a few Wild players noted that there was a plan to defend Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin while on the

Tending the Fields

Justin Kloos to Sign with Minnesota Wild - SB Nation College Hockey
The Minnesota Wild have reached terms on a two-year entry-level contract with University of Minnesota senior captain Justin Kloos, reports Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Kloos...

Behind Enemy Lines - Silver Seven

Erik Karlsson is a Defenseman, Not a Forward - Silver Seven
We should stop minimizing the contributions of offensive defensemen just because they can score from the blueline.

Off the Trail

Five major contenders for the Selke Trophy this season - Sportsnet.ca
Looking at a variety of statistics, I picked out five major contenders for the Selke this year looking at possession impacts, puck management, defensive results, and what these players are doing without the puck on their sticks.

Expansion Protection Lists Will be Publicized
It was announced today that the NHL will be publicizing the protected and available player lists for the 2017 Expansion Draft.

Down Goes Brown: Five teams that returned to the post-season with a bang | The Hockey News
Every now and then, a team that has been out of the playoffs for a long time returns with guns blazing. Maybe it's an all-time classic series, or maybe it's a deep run. Maybe it's even both.

Power Rankings: Capitals snap slump and start to come alive with playoffs near | The Hockey News
The Capitals snapped out of their season-long four-game losing streak to post five-straight wins, and it's time to fear Washington once again.

How the NFL in Vegas can drive the Golden Knights to succeed | The Hockey News
The NFL's Oakland Raiders are relocating to Las Vegas, but the NHL's expansion Golden Knights' can use the competition as motivation to be successful early and often.