Internet Hotstove is a series where Last Word On Sports asks the opinions of respected bloggers from around the internet about their team’s chances in the 2013-14 NHL Playoffs. The goal is to get a broad view of opinion from around the league as an alternative to other playoff previews.
The Minnesota Wild have been waiting for a couple of years now to finally break out after signing Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. But the team will be given a stern test in round one, at the hands of the young Colorado Avalanche, that will either make or break their status as playoff contender. The Wild have the pieces, and they have the will. But it may not be enough to push them far in this year’s playoffs. However, if they can get consistent goaltending and a higher offensive output this team could make some noise in the heavily contested NHL West.
Meet the Blogger:
Anthony Bloch: Writer for TheHockeyWriters.Com and Founder of Sportmentary.Com @Sportmentary
1. Who is the playoff x-factor for the Wild?
For me the x-factor is Ryan Suter. He has a good shot at winning the Norris trophy, due the amount of ice time he logs in a game. During the regular season he logged an average of 29+ minutes per game. That’s two minutes more than any other player. Suter played a key role in leading the Minnesota Wild as one of the best defenses in the NHL.
If Suter can log a lot of ice time in the playoffs and remain successful, Minnesota’s defense will be better off for that and will have a chance of pulling off an upset.
2. Is the goaltending situation a big concern going into the playoffs?
I think goaltending has been one of the strengths of this club. With every setback/injury that this team has faced this season, the backup goalie has come in to do a great job. That was true when Darcy Kuemper, a guy with little to no experience came in when Josh Harding went out earlier this season due to complications with MS. Darcy did a great job for the club and kept them in games, something that proved valuable to a team that had trouble scoring.
Then the Wild acquired Ilya Bryzgalov and he’s been rock solid between the pipes. Bryzgalov earned at least a point in all but one of the team’s last 12 games. Bryzgalov was a great contributor for the Wild and enters the playoffs on a high.
Goaltending is definitely one of the bright spots heading into the playoffs.
3. The Wild come into the playoffs hot, having won six of their last eight. How will this affect their playoff performance?
I think it’s very important that the Wild are entering the playoffs playing their best hockey. The Wild faced stiff competition and earned their way into the post-season. That’s really important playing a team like the Avalanche. I believe that coming into the playoffs playing their best hockey, gives the Wild a chance at winning the series with the Avalanche.
The Wild didn’t rest their starters, so they won’t be sluggish. They will be ready to go and start where they left off.
4. What secret weapons do the Wild have that could help them surprise in a very talented Western Conference?
We’ve all heard about Parise, Suter and Koivu for this club but the one player that I believe is starting to make a name for himself is Charlie Coyle. This guy is a fierce checker, especially in the offensive zone, doesn’t mind getting into battles along the boards and also loves to park himself in front of the net. These are all attributes that play well in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Erik Haula is another player who has started to impress Mike Yeo. He has found a way to contribute in the scoring department. How he performs depends on what role, if any Mikael Granlund will have in this series.
If Granlund does return to the lineup (suffering from an upper body injury) against Colorado, Haula will have to move down to the fourth line and that may detract from his ability to contribute.
5. How far do you expect the Wild to go in the 2013-14 NHL Playoffs?
The Wild have played well down the stretch, beating some of the best teams in the NHL (Boston, Pittsburgh and St. Louis) but the Avalanche have played equally well. Their offense might be too much for the Wild to handle. As much as it pains me to say this, I see the Wild bowing out in seven games to Colorado.
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