I'm not sure how far out on a limb I'm willing to go with this, especially when you consider the team's play thus far in the pre-season, but the more I look at the roster of the Minnesota Wild, the more I believe this team may be able to surprise the hockey world and qualify for the playoffs.
Let's take a minute and analyze the teams generally believed to be favored to enter the post-season tourney ahead of the Wild...
Chicago
They still have their "core" - captain Jonathan Toews, electrifying Patrick Kane, steady Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Norris winner Duncan Keith and his sidekick Brent Seabrook - but they will try to assimilate what could amount to half of their roster comprising of new teammates. And as much as I like Marty Turco, his play has been on a decline the past couple of years (and it's not certain whether his slippage has been caused by the Stars slide or is a reason for Dallas' struggles). I still think they are a lock for the post-season, though.
San Jose
Will continue to parlay the best line in hockey (Marleau-Thornton-Heatley) into contention for the #1 seed in the Western Conference.
Detroit
Same old cast, augmented by the addition of Mike Modano who himself is 40 years old, capable of playing great hockey, but if one or more of their aging vets slips they could have to battle to make the playoffs.
Vancouver
Adding Keith Ballard may be the most underrated move of the offseason. Dan Hamhuis will further improve what is now an elite defense corps. The twins are bonafide superstars. Another lock for post season play.
Nashville
Eventually, the numbers game has to catch up with them.
Colorado
A team on the rise may also be susceptible to a fall back to reality as their young core develops.
Los Angeles
See Colorado, but this up and coming team has a few more seasons of ripening under its belt, and one of the best young goaltending tandems in the league, coupled with a very impressive crop of blueliners, makes me believe this team will only get better.
Phoenix
The Desert Dogs surprised everyone last season by overcoming a mess of an ownership situation. Coyotes have lost some key pieces from that team, though. Would not be surprised to see Phoenix come back to earth.
So, looking at last years' playoff entrants, it's not hard to believe as many as half of them could struggle to replicate what they achieved last season.
So, here's why I'm starting to believe in the Wild's chances...
1. They have an elite goaltender. Niklas Backstrom struggled a bit last year, and I believe that was the result of the whole team adapting to a complete change in culture with a new administration. Backstrom's track record speaks for itself.
2. They have an impressive collection of talent among their forwards. While their is no bonafide superstar on the depth chart, Mikko Koivu is pretty darn close to that level. Martin Havlat also has shown over the years he is capable of putting up impressive numbers. Health permitting, P.M. Bouchard will add a puck distribution element that was missing while he was out with severe concussion ramifications. If Bouchard can return to health, that would allow the crafty Matt Cullen to slide down into the 3rd Center role for which he is perfectly suited. Add Guillame Letendresse, who played very well after leaving the Montreal pressure cooker, and this team has two lines that can score as well as 2 that can play with grit.
3. They have an impressive group of young, physical yet offensively capable defenseman. Brent Burns needs to stay healthy. Period. He, along with a full season from Cam Barker gives the Wild 2 big guns who can play a solid all around game as well as skate very well. Nick Schultz is another potential shut down guy and Greg Zanon also can protect his own zone and kill penalties. Marek Zidlicky is a power play specialist who plays the role well.
A lot has to go right for Minnesota to return to the postseason, but the roster shows that the pieces are there. They just have to jell.
