Hockey in the Land of Ope!!
The new NHL season is just over a month away and there is a lot to be excited about in the State of Hockey and the NHL in general. A few key dates that Wild fans might just want to be looking forward to:
Preseason Opener: Sept. 25 at St. Louis Blues, 7 p.m.
Regular Season Opener: Oct. 15 at Anaheim Ducks, 9 p.m.
Home Opener: Oct. 19 vs. Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m.
Winter Classic: Jan. 1 vs. St. Louis Blues
Hockey Day Minnesota: Jan. 19 in Mankato
Now before we move on, I’d like to introduce myself. I am Richie and I will be your source of information regarding the Minnesota Wild and all things hockey for the season. I will be covering anything from scores to stats to hockey hair.
I have been a season ticket holder for the Wild, and obviously, a life-long fan of the Wild since their inception in 1997. I have also been a Zamboni driver for two seasons at my local rinks, so I know the intricacies of creating a good sheet of ice. More on that, in future blogs.
Dean Evason will return this year as Head Coach for the Wild, his second full-season. A number of contract extensions and free agent signings will be discussed in more detail in the weeks leading up to the first puck drop of the season. Being in the Central division, the Wild certainly have their work cut out for them as they hope to improve on their 3rd-place finish last year behind the Avs and the Golden Knights. A potential dark horse? The Blackhawks. Will Jonathan Toews return to the lineup? The addition of their captain and USA defenseman Seth Jones will add much needed firepower to a team who is looking to move on from their dynasty years of Seabrook, Keith and Crawford. Speaking of Crawford, they also picked up a pretty half way decent goaltender in Marc-Andre Fleury. Ever heard of him? Fleury won his 490th game last year (against the Wild, no less) moving him into 3rd place all-time for wins by a goaltender. Is that good?
Yes, the Wild will be fun to watch this year, but they need to bring their A-game every night in order to not find themselves in the basement. More info and insight into the Minnesota Wild season coming soon. Lets go Wild!
The Morning Skate 