Although only going into it’s second season, the NHL’s Central Division is one that has already been dubbed as being predictable in regards to the outcome of the regular season standings. After 2013-14 the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks have now put the pressure on those chasing them to make quality decisions when it comes down to not only their roster, but also to how they play their game. During this offseason, the Minnesota Wild has seemingly responded to that pressure with a major free agent signing and the realization that they can hang around with the big boys in the division. Here’s a look at how the Wild shape up heading into the 2014-15 NHL regular season.
Offense: A Left Wing Frame of Mind
The Wild’s offense will once again rely heavily on those who play on the left side of the ice. Although Zach Parise enjoyed a solid season in 2013-14 for the Wild at left wing with a +10, 56 point performance, he is sure to welcome in the help from the team’s coveted free-agent signing, Thomas Vanek. Vanek adds a significant amount of skill to the Wild’s roster after a roller-coaster ride of a regular season in which he played for three different teams last year. Vanek will look to improve on his 68-point performance last season, now that he knows that he won’t be shopped around. With Vanek, the Wild’s offense will definitely improve their low amount of shots per game which was 26.6 last season. Good enough for 29th overall, only against Vanek’s first team of the season, the lowly Buffalo Sabres.
Defense: Young, Strong, and Under the Radar
The Wild’s defense ranked amongst the NHL’s top five in shots against per game with an average of 27.7. Led by assistant captain Ryan Suter and sophomore standout Jared Spurgeon, the Wild’s overall D will be stingy at the very least, right off the bat. Suter and Surgeon combined to be an impressive +30, while contributing offensively with 69 points. If these two top dogs continue to man the front of the net with ease, the Wild’s young and physical defense could rival the likes of the Blackhawks.
Goaltending: Smoother Roads Ahead
The Wild were absolutely all over the map when it came to their goaltending last season. Over their 82 games the Wild used a total of five different goaltenders on their quest to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Things looked to have at least somewhat calmed down heading into the upcoming regular season as things will now likely fall on the shoulders of Josh Harding and veteran goaltender, Niklas Backstrom. However, with Harding continuous battle with multiple sclerosis, Backstrom may very well end up being the number one goaltender, especially if he proves to have a bounce-back season after going 5-11-2 with a 3.02 goals against average. If the Wild are fortunate enough to see Harding stay healthy and prove he should start in goal more often than not, they’d much rather have him start 50+ games. As their go-to guy.
Special Teams: Fueled By A Welcomed Addition
Vanek didn’t enjoy his best season in terms of his role on special teams with the Sabres, New York Islanders or the Montreal Canadiens in 2013-14, but he still stands as the reason why the Wild will have a much improved power play. Even though Parise was able to net 14 power play goals the Wild were mediocre at best, finishing with a 16th ranked 17.07 power play percentage. The Wild will need to improve their numbers with the man-advantage if they want to try and top the division. The Blackhawks and Blues rank amongst the leagues best when on the power play.
Despite their solid overall defense, the Wild’s penalty kill numbers last season were nothing but forgettable. The likes of Suter, Spurgeon and Marco Scandella will have to step it up this season if they want to stay afloat when they are man down. A more of a consistent goaltending situation will also take the defense off the hook a little bit, especially if Harding stays healthy.
Overall Outlook:
With the addition of Vanek at the offensive end of the ice, along with a goaltending situation that is at least a little bit less confusing than it was just a season ago, the Wild have set themselves up nicely not only to make the playoffs, but to potentially contend for top spot in the Central division. Expect the Wild to improve in the standings and avoid entry to the postseason via a wildcard birth. The Wild are now ready to take the next step towards a potential third round playoff birth.