Wild season re-cap
The Re-cap
After missing out on the post-season for the first time, I entered this season determined to get back into the Dance. My off-season was marked by acquiring “The Big 3” – Ovechkin, Crosby and Malkin.
The season started off really well – if memory serves I was undefeated after 10 games. However, a closer examination suggested there were some core problems with my team. I wasn’t generating enough shots, and was only winning games because of an incredibly high shooting percentage. At the time I wondered if it was sustainable...it was not.
As the season progressed my team’s ability to generate shots continued to be a problem, despite trying everything with line combos and coaching levers. I ended up generating less than 24 shots per game, far and away the worst in the entire CPHL. This coupled with a rash of injuries pretty much dictated the 2nd half of the campaign. For the last 2 months I had 4-5 key players out at any one time. When it was all said and done, the Wild finished in 25th place, and probably had the worst record in the 2nd half of the year.
Remarkably entering the year it would have seemed that goaltending was going to be our problem with Corey Schneider the starter. We finished 19th overall in GAA but for most of the year we were in the top half of the league.
Off-season Approach
I remain committed to holding on to the Big 3. All of them had low value entering the year for various reasons, and while Malkin has resumed his dominant play, Crosby and AO have question marks. To trade them now would be poor asset management so chances are very good they will remain in Minny.
I do have a pant-load of young players and prospects to use as trading chips. However, I will also not likely deal guys that have immense upside unless the offer is substantial. Rather I will aim to use some of my secondary prospects to fill lineup holes. I also anticipate having some dollars to throw around in free agency.
Goaltending remains a need but more importantly will be addressing the chemistry up front. I think I need one or two physical wingers with some scoring ability.
Expect the Wild to be active.
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