wild/nhl

you got to play the rebound game. Just like last year...the Wild skate around looking for the sure shot...when they need to make the goalie make a play or create goals off of rebounds...shoot the puck!

Koivu isn't a goal scorer. Butch isn't a goal scorer. Seto has apparently lost his scoring touch. Clutterbuck and Brodziak aren't goal scorers, and guys like Heatley and Cullen are just getting long in the tooth. That's been the main problem with this team's offense for years. They need fewer playmakers and more snipers.

Regardless of what the brass says, the problem IS the system, just as it was when Jacques was here; and that system mandates the type of players you acquire. If it isn't the system, how else do you explain this organization's utter inability to score goals year after year, with the same, restrictive, prevent offense in place. No matter what Yeo or Fletcher say, both are on the hot seat. If this team doesn't make the playoffs this year, Fletcher's gone. No question. And I very much doubt Yeo will be this team's coach on February 28th. Denial is a poisonous pill, man. I like both guys a lot, but Yeo's "system" has shown no evidence that it can generate offense. Forget the lip service; just look at the results. He keeps making excuses, and trying to play tough, then he puts a deadbeat like Granlund right back into the second line center. Anyone considered that playing with Granlund most nights might be Seto's biggest problem??? When goal scorers and high point defenseman like Heatley, Seto, and Suter come here and suddenly can't score anymore...well, you probably should look at the system. It isn't like they all just fell on their face at once. Mike Yeo is an OCD, micromanaging control freak. He needs to back off and let the boys be creative.

Just like all Minnesota Sports teams - 2nd rate

Caferev, I'm pretty sure Fletchers job is safe. Is it the system? The Wild were the best team in hockey for two months last season with this same system. They were aggressive on the attack and scoring goals. Heatley is correct when he said that a number of players seem to be in a slump. He was also correct when he said players are trying to be to cute, looking for the perfect pass...just shoot. I predict this team will come together soon and start playing a brand of hockey the fans can enjoy.

I think they need to skate and shoot instead of dump and chase. Parise is a guy who is going to fight to get that rebound, so is Coyle, so is Heater now. We need to put the puck on the net to make those chances. Not give it away to the corners.

Vanvader-THANK YOU. It isnt the system, repeat after me, it is not the system. 90% of the teams in the NHL use the exact same system! If you actually pay attention during the game it isnt always a dump and chase. I have a bad memory but can remember two breakaways in the last few games. Brodz got the puck swiped off his stick by the goalie and I cant remember who had the other breakaway (told you, bad memory). If they can make a play coming into the O zone, they will. If they cannot, they will dump it and chase it. You ever watch Parise? The kid dumps it in, beats the defense to the puck deep in there zone and is ready to feed someone in front of the net! We have come SO close SO many times, it is bound to change. You can only hit so many pipes and the goalies can only stay hot for so long. Last year was a wash. I DO remember we had about half the guys from Houston playing at the end of the year because of injuries! We did not have half the guys we have now. We got new players, called up YOUNG guys, got healthy over the summer, had two weeks of practice with no preseason and we are not meshing, YET. Have a little patience boys and girls, and watch what happens.

Send Yeo flim of the Gopher--Huskey's game last night.

The Wild defenders have trouble with transition to offense. They seem to take too long to get the puck moving northward. Too many times they try to pass up the wall, through an opponent, to a stationary wing. Watch how Anaheim, St. Louis and Chicago quickly get moving out of their zone, making it hard for defenders to jam up in front of them.

So last year we were told part of the problem was due to growing pains in a new system. Now we're told it can't be the system because every team is doing the same thing. Wha???