Risebrough / Naegele Screwed Up

The Wild left last season needing a quality linemate for the Gaborik
Demitra line. Because Naegele is too cheap to spend money on a quality
center, the team is left with a big hole on the top line. Even Lemaire
admits there is an issue with filling the 3rd member of the line. One
would think the Wild would make sure they have the appropriate playmaker
to center the line. But guess it is more important to make sure Naegele
can spend more time in Florida and make political campaign
contributions. The Wild have a real opportunity to have one of the best
lines in hockey. Too bad the owners and management failed the team
miserably in that regard.

2007-2008 prediction....Wild will finish just under .500 and will not
make the playoffs. They did nothing in the offseason to improve the team.

>
> >I disagree. They BARELY made the playoffs and were wiped out by the
> >Ducks.
>
> True, but the Ducks wiped EVERYBODY out last season. It was
> their season. They look to be just as tough again this season, so
> they will be a tough team again for any NHL team to face.
>
> >Many foes improved their roster. I hope you are right about
> >their current talent improving, but will it be enough to make the playoffs?
>
> I think it will be enough. The Wild have done well developing their
> young talent, and I expect this to be one of their best seasons yet.
>

The Ducks definitely wiped out everyone last year. And I'm completely
agreeing on them being a great team again this year. They had a very
large (In terms of height/weight, not amount of players) team. Most of
the players were well above the average height of a professional
hockey player. This made for a lot of physical games with the Wild, as
well as some amazing advantages over every other team. I was surprised
I didn't see more teams this year specifically go after larger
players. The effect that Derek Boogaard has on the team while he's on
the ice is absolutely incredible. Not to mention the fans would always
get wild. Even Boogaard said in an interview that it seemed every time
he got on the ice the crowd would cheer because they expect him to do
something. The thing is, he does. He gets the crowd going, the crowd
get the Wild going, and only good things can come from that.

I really disagree with what people say in terms of the Wild's
potential this year. We did amazing this year, and we've suffered from
very few major losses over the off-season. The Wild (Hell, as well as
the Twins) have great scouting and are able to pick up some good young
players. The Wild have definitely shown some support for a lot of the
new players that are looking to be the new linemen.

Benoit Pouliot is going to be playing again tonight with his newfound
linemates of Gaborik and Demitra. Hopefully he's able to prove to be
something tonight. It'd be amazing to have a great rookie in center
ice, and if we can't do that, hopefully we could somehow afford a nice
veteran center. Either way, hope for the best.