The Yeo-Yeo Affect

What makes Mike Yeo so different from any coach we have seen in the State of Hockey? Yeo's poker face and quiet demeanor aren't just for show.

Towards the end of last season and into the playoffs, the fire Mike Yeo bandwagon was fundraising to support all of its members. Granted, this had little to do with Mike himself, it had more to do with the expectations of Wild fans after signing Zach Parise and Ryan Suter before the season. As fans, we had very high expectations. Unfortunately as we know, adding two superstars to your team in hockey doesn't automatically make you champions.

Now for the record, I was very much on that bandwagon. Throughout this season I was may have been it's president an CEO. I fiercely took to Twitter with the fire Yeo hashtag like never before. The team was struggling. They had trouble playing hard for entire games and Mike Yeo's "we've just got to play better" routine was wearing thin.

After game 5 I fell off the bandwagon, smacked my head, and learned a valuable life lesson. Standing on the periphery, nothing but stones and judgement can keep you from seeing a bigger picture. Little did I know, Yeo's personality and coaching style would save the Wild from falling apart when it counted the most.

Playing on the road in the playoffs can wear on you. The screaming fans with their unwelcoming roar, last line change leaving you wondering why you even came up with a game plan, and in our case, time and altitude changes that effect your body's chemistry. Calm and collected must you be.

Questionable calls, "should have been" calls, being down 2 - 0 in the playoffs, and the mental toll that blowing a two goal lead can take on a team, all things that the team had to contend with coming back to Saint Paul for game 3. The team mirroring the personality of their head coach, would put games 1 and 2 behind them and keep playing hard. The team took two thrilling games in Saint Paul to even the series up a 2 - 2.

Teams that face adversity can quickly struggle to find themselves again, just look at the Maple Leafs. The Leafs lost a couple close games, got emotional, and spiraled right out of playoff contention. Emotion is a big part of the game, but emotion can blur the big picture. Mike Yeo keeps the team focused and keeps things in perspective. Excitement after a game is better than anger during one.

During this series, and particularly in game 5, I have witnessed one of the greatest coaching performances of my lifetime. A coaching performance that sets an example for those coaching at a youth level. I was not alive during the miracle on ice, but I have to say, this has all the makings of something magical. Mike Yeo and the Wild have been the definition of perseverance.

Game 5 featured by far the worst officiating I have ever seen at any level. I will not speculate as to why it was so bad, this article was written to highlight perseverance, not the mugging that occurred on the Wild last night. A slue of missed calls and phantom penalties put the Wild down by a goal after two periods. This is where the magic really started.

All the odds stacked against them, on the road, with bad and missed calls, the Wild and Mike Yeo found a way to come out in the third period and score two goals. The Wild took a one 3-2 lead. With everything that had happened throughout the first four games, the Wild found a way to stay focused with their priorities straight. Unfortunately more bad calls would follow. Missed calls on a blatant holding penalty denying an empty net goal by Charlie Coyle and an obvious offsides led to a goal for the Avalanche and overtime that ended in heartache.

During Yeo's press conference he was visibly upset, but as he tends to do, he was collected. "It is what it is." Yeo commented when asked about the officiating. "We have to go back and force a game 7". These comments are part of the personality of this team. You cant control the uncontrollable, you have to focus on what you can control. If this had gone the other way, Roy probably would have punched a ref.

Yeo's performance in these playoffs has given me hope for the future, distant and not so distant alike. This team is focused, disciplined, and talented. I am happy to call myself a fan of this organization.

Player Spotlight: Darcy Kuemper

Often overlooked, Darcy Kuemper has quietly made a big impact in his short time with the Minnesota Wild.



Photo from twincities.com

"Kuemps" as he is called within the locker room, doesn't make those flashy saves we so rarely see on ESPN's top ten. Darcy plays a solid fundamental game, and when needed, has the athleticism to stretch out and make a clutch save. Kuemper seems to see the puck through screens with ease, and when he doesn't see the puck so well, he positions himself in a way that gives him a chance to make the save.

The 6'5" goaltender from Saskatoon, SK was the Wild's 6th round draft pick (161st overall) in 2009. Kuemper quickly found success. In the 2010 - 2011 season with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels he posted a 1.86 goals against average and a .933 save percentage in 62 games played. His performance was rewarded by the Del Wilson Trophy (WHL's top goaltender award) and the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (WHL's player of the year).



Photo from twincities.com

Kuemper was largely over shadowed by Matt Hackett, who was selected 3 rounds earlier in the same draft. Despite being the backup, Kuemper posted a better goals against average as well as a better save percentage than his partner between the pipes. However, trade deadlines can quickly reward a great backup.

On April 3rd, 2013 Matt Hackett was traded to the Buffalo Sabres as part of a deal to acquire Jason Pomminville. Kuemper would become the number one goaltender for the Houston Aeros, and a couple of injuries would bring him to hockey's biggest stage.

The Minnesota Wild fought their way into the playoffs during the 2013 season, squeaking in by winning their last game of the year. As the NHL playoffs tend to give, drama ensued before the puck dropped in game 1 of the conference quarterfinals. Niklas Backstrom sustained a lower body injury during pregame warmups, creating an urgent need for Kuemper to join them in Chicago. Josh Harding was able to make the start that night and completed the game without a backup.


After a dramatic overtime win in game 3, Kuemper was set to warm the bench for Josh Harding in game 4. The bench would stay warm for just one period. During the first period of game 4, Harding was mauled by Jonathan Towes. Harding would finish the rest of the period but was quietly replaced by Kuemper at the start of the second period. Against the most potent offense in hockey, Kuemper gave up 2 goals on 18 shots.

Despite a solid performance in game 4, Harding was healthy enough to play and would start game 5. 6:36 into the second period, Harding had allowed his 3rd goal of the game and was replaced by Kuemper. Under the circumstances, Darcy gave another solid performance allowing 2 goals on 15 shots. Unfortunately, the Wild suffered the loss and an end to their season.

The 2013 - 2014 season literally had it's ups and downs. Kuemper was called up to the Wild on five occasions. Backstrom and Harding seemed to be playing tag with respect to their injuries in the first part of the season. This resulted in Kuemper seeing limited time as backup to which ever goaltender ate his Wheaties that particular morning. Kuemper gave up 6 goals on 16 shots in two appearances during his limited duties.

On January 2nd, 2014 Kuemper was called up for the last time. His first game after the call up was spectacular. Kuemper gave up 1 goal on 40 shots and picked up his first NHL win against the LA Kings. From the time he was called up in January until the end of March, Kuemper was one of the top goalies in the league.

After three shaky starts towards the end of March, Kuemper was replaced by newly acquired goaltender Ilya Bryzgolov and listed as day to day with an undisclosed upper body injury. We later learned that Kuemper had suffered a concussion.

As Wally Pipp taught us, sitting out games can cost you your job. Ilya Bryzgolov was nothing short of brilliant during Kuemper's absence, losing only one game in regulation over 11 games. The Bryzgolov brilliance however, did not last in the playoffs. After giving up a two goal lead in game 1, Bryzgolov was releived in game 2 after allowing 3 goals on 14 shots. Kuemper entered the game and proceeded to shut the door. He faced another 14 shots and stopped them all. Was there any doubt who would start game 3?

In a must win game for the Wild, Kuemper was set to make his first ever Stanley Cup Playoff start. Over shadowed by a spectacular overtime game winner by Mikael Granlund, was Kuemper's shutout. The first time since 1936 that a goaltender recorded an ovetime shutout in his first playoff start. At this point in the playoffs, Kuemper had stopped all 36 shots he faced.

Game 4 featured very little work for the 205 lb netminder. Kuemper faced only eight shots through the first 57 minutes. Down by one goal with 2:40 left in the game, Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy pulled goaltender Semyon Varlamov. Excitment would ensue. Kuemper face 33 percent of his shots in less than 3 minutes. An unfortunate penalty by Ryan Suter left the Wild essentially short two players with their extra attacker. This had all the makings of another game 1 heartbreak. One things was different this game. The Wild had Kuemper in net. The Wild played great in front of Kuemper and with the help of a stickless Granlund and his selfless defense were able to pull out another win.

I've spoken to many people. I've seen many comments on social media. Why don't we have faith in Kuemper? Those of you that have doubts, take a look at his history. Keumper has consistently  been  a top 10 goaltender at every level he has played. The numbers say that Kuemper is our future. I am excited to see what he has to show us during the rest of the 2014 playoffs and into next season.

Wild at Avalanche

After an up and down season, The Minnesota Wild look to surprise with a fast paced aggressive style.

July 4th, 2012, Chuck Fletcher and Mike Yeo stand united at a press podium like proud parents announcing the blockbuster acquisition of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. The acquisition, a promise to The State of Hockey that tomorrow will be better. Parise, in "Lebron like" fashion convinced Suter that Minnesota was the place he wanted to be (cue Minnesota fans planning a cup parade).

April 3rd, 2013, Fletcher makes a move to pick up Jason Pomminville from the Buffalo Sabres, their captian in fact. Pomminville gave the team a powerful shot from the point and undeniable leadership on and off the ice.

After a year cut short in the first round of the 2013 playoffs by the (eventual) Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, Fletcher added a few more pieces to the puzzle. Matt Cooke, Keith Ballard, and Nino Niederreiter were upgrades at their respective positions. These additions came with a possesional game plan from Mike Yeo that promised more exciting hockey.

The 2013 - 2014 season, in typical hockey fashion, has not gone according to plan. The Wild went through 3 goalies before the trade deadline, forcing a move at the deadline. Brilliance was shown from all of the goalies at one point in the season. Parise, Coyle, Koivu, and Ballard all sustained injuries keeping them out for longer than 10 games. The injuries did however result in a silver lining, Erik Haula got a chance to show us some of that gopher magic. He did not disappoint. Haula finished his first (partial) season as a professional with 17 points and a plus 14 rating.

Trade deadline week 2014, Fletcher adds two new pieces to the team. A battle tested goaltender, Ilya Bryzgolov and a big body grinder, Matt Moulson. Unfortunately these additions coincided with the longest losing streak of the season for the Wild. A streak that forced the leaders on the team to step up. On one of the four CBA mandatory days off, Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, and Ryan Suter got the team together for some reflection on their play. The team reportedly agreed that their play was poor of late, made plans to change it, and implemented the changes in a practice that day.

After the infamous "players only" meeting, the team had changed. The were more physical, harder on the puck, and forechecked like we hadn't seen all year. The quick change cemented a playoff spot for the second straight year.

The first four games of this series have arguably been dominated by the Wild. The only stat that the Avalanche lead in the series in goal differential. The wild have dominated on special teams, controlled the physical game, and out shot the Avs 143 to 94 through the first 4 games.

The most impressive part of this series has been the coaching of Mike Yeo. The Wild lost a heartbreaker in game one that was surrounded in controversial calls and non calls. Despite the controversy and heart break, The Wild continued to play their game. They pressured the puck, created opportunities, and played hard from horn to horn. With a never say never attitude The Wild took it to another level. Yeo made necessary adjustments that shut down the Avs scoring lines and held them to just 34 shots in 2 games at the Xcel Energy Center.

All these pieces, all these events, they all add up to a different team. The Wild are not what they were a year ago. They aren't what they were a month ago. This team has been down, they have picked themselves up and have shown us what champions are made of. This team is poised and ready. This team fights for what they deserve, they don't expect it.

The Minnesota Wild play like they have something to lose. They play like they belong at the top. Do not write this team off. This team has grown together into something special. This team, regardless of where they finish this year, is full of champions.

Vanek Coming to Minnesota

The prospect of adding Thomas Vanek to the Wild is appealing on many levels. Vanek adds a veteran presence to a young team that, at times, lacks awareness. This team has trouble playing 60 minutes a game. Vanek is a proven grinder, he plays hard every minute on the ice and is great at possession play. Bottom line Vanek would fit in very well on our second line with Koivu centering and Coyle on the other wing.

Hold on a second! Koivu on the second line? My short answer is absolutely. Grandlund, Pominville, and Parise play too well together to split up. Koivu, Coyle, and Vanek bring depth to the roster and create a mismatch for any second line they will face. Also you have to consider Mike Yeo. Yeo is a notorious line juggler. If Koivu stars on the second line, chances are he will still play a good chunk of minutes with Parise and Pominville.

What will it take to get Vanek before play resumes in March?
The Islanders got slapped in the face. The "bet it all", So to speak. The Islanders gave up a lot to get Vanek, including a (conditional) first round pick in the upcoming draft. The Islanders will most certainly be looking to require some of what they lost. The negotiator in me says offer up a 2nd round pick and hope they take a player like Heatley to clear up some cap space. Unfortunately mightier men than I are negotiating and dumping a player like Heatley is easier said than done. One way or another, if we want Vanek come time for Lord Stanley's Cup, we need to give up something big. This is not something I see Chuck Fletcher doing.

The Wild will test the waters, but in the end I don't think we will see Vanek in a Wild Jersey until the 2014-2015 season.