Game #63: Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks, Monday February 28, 2011 at 7:00pm CST, Xcel Energy Center [GAME PREVIEW]

  
I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it shocking to see the Wild ahead of the Blackhawks in the standings.  But that very fact has Minnesota in a tenuous, at best, situation.  With tonight’s opponent being in ninth place, they are probably looking at tonight’s game as an absolute must win.  In fact, it’s a must win for both teams, and will ultimately come down to who’s must win mentality and drive is greater.  The fact the Wild and three other teams (Dallas, Chicago and Nashville) are all currently tied with 72 points, should be the catalyst for success for Minnesota. 

Of course today, all eyes are glued toward the various trade tickers.  Today marks the trade deadline.  In the case of the Wild, we have heard for some time now that there would likely be little to no movement.  Wild General Manager, Chuck Fletcher has stated that he’s hesitant to act, because he doesn’t want to alter the chemistry that they team has created.  Also, for Fletcher, the price would have to “right” meaning, he can’t afford to trade pretty much anyone on the current roster, nor does he want to trade the future of the team, whether prospects of draft picks.  If there was one area where he would want to gain a player right now, it would be at center, just to shore up the middle while Mikko Koivu heals up.

That concept of staying put and being part of a team instead of being sold to the highest bidder seems to be true of the players as well.  The Wild clearly have a couple of assets that other teams would find valuable.  First there is John Madden.  His veteran presence, as well as experience on three Stanley Cup winning teams, would be a boon to many teams in the hunt.  However, in his own words, “this is quite a team.”  To me, that sounds like a man who would gladly stay put, even if it ultimately costs him a chance at going with a true contender.  Then there is backup goaltender, Jose Theodore.  When Josh Harding was injured during the pre-season, Theodore pretty much fell into their laps.  For some reason, a goaltender with a winning record went unsigned (I bet there are teams now hating themselves for that).  Of course Theodore would rather be a number one goaltender elsewhere, however, he has put aside his own ego for the better of the team.  A humble, yet proud Theodore would rather be part of what this team has become over the course of this season than be a rental elsewhere.  This team came from lowly beginnings this season, to now clearly in the playoff race.  I think it speaks volumes of what this team is all about when two, valuable players have said “I’d rather stay here and see how this all plays out.”

So once again, the Wild are faced with another foe who is as desperate as they are.  Although one could argue that the defending Stanley Cup Champions are more so.  While it causes stress to everyone (fans and the actual teams themselves), at the very least no one can say this race isn’t exciting.  Every day, the standings change.  It’s nice to see.  Will I be disappointed if the Wild fail to make the playoffs in the end?  Yes, of course.  However if they keep fighting like they have been, I can’t truly be angry.  They’ve made the concerted effort to turn this season around.  They’ve overcome injuries and illness.  In the end, no matter what happens, this is a team.
  

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