wild/nhl

A good friend and I took advantage of the free GA tickets and it was really good to be back watching Hockey at this level. What really blew me away was that it seemed like every employee from concessions to custodial staff to the ushers went out of their way to say a genuine, "Welcome Back!" I actually shook one ushers hand and told him we were glad to see them back, wished him good luck and I meant it. Say what you want about Butch but it was really great to see him back as well and Cullen was a hoot. The future looks bright too: Zucker looked great along with Coyle, and despite the seeming size mis-match, I thought Genoway looked good. Can't wait to see this team in action against the Canuckleheads and the Hawks.

What a difference a couple of good draft years can make. I can remember watching preseason games/scrimmages years ago and the ..prospects.. looked like they weren't ready to compete for a spot with Gustavus. Now when the injuries start, you can send up the likes of Zucker, Coyle, Brodin (when he gets cleared), etc, etc. Was really impressed with how hard Parise works in all three zones. As for Suter, some have questioned what he will be able to do without Weber. I think Weber is gonna miss Suter more than Suter misses Weber. Weber is a huge, brusing defensemen that will get on the scoresheet. But, Suter is a much better skater and much better passer who gets the puck out of trouble a little better than Weber. Suter will be just fine where he is.

Cant wait for Saturday, Hockey Day in Minnesota!!! Good Luck Boys!! Jeep Junior, Welcome Home!!!

I thought Dumba looked great. Zucker was one of the best players on the ice and Coyle looked like a beast with his size. Should be and interesting season. Spurgeon was great, really showed some flash out there.

Zucker will be on this team at the start of next season for sure, once some of the guys with writing on the wall are gone. Zucker's worth ethic has been evident throughout his entire hockey career, both with DU and in his time with the US World Jr. squad. The guy will eventually be a top 6 guy, with his speed and tenacity. I'm looking forward to seeing him here and there this season, then consistently next year.

Takeaway....Zucker played great. Was actually impressed with Dowell as well. Granlund looked a bit lost. Will be fun watching the mix of youth and experience gel this season. PLEASE KEEP ZUCKER ON THE ROSTER!!!!

Based on the contracts of the current players there are at least 3 that wont be here next year; Cullen, PMB (unless he can stay healthy this year) and Backstrom. You can fill Cullen and PMB's spot with Coyle and Zucker. That would be an awfully young second line with Granlund in the middle of those two. Seto is probably gone the following year. Heatley might resign at a reduced rate because he is no longer a $7.5MM/year player. Especially since he is paid MORE that Koivu.

Backstrom struggled last night. Not too worried as it was just an exhibition but sure hope he is on his game Saturday.

With Zucker and Coyle, why does Clutterbuck have a roster spot?

Zucker's plus/minus is awful and he probably only weighs about 160 lbs. Clutterbuck is still with the Wild because they haven't figured out what an honest tough guy is and they don't seem to have a clue either. He will get a bunch more of his team mates hurt again this year with his late hits, high hits and hits from behind. The other teams don't go after Cal anymore when he cheap shots them as they now go after our best players. Wait until Cal cheapshots someone on the other team and the other team goes after Parise and takes him out. We'll see how mant Clutterbuck fans are left then !!!