I promised an angry screed last week against the Wild, but as it turns out, I just can’t get angry about them. Why? Because the Wild organization was struggling because of problems that have already been flushed out. The Twins could be staring a problem with the front office or management for years and would fail to address it, simply waiting for the problem to retire. Just think. When was the last time a member of the Twins organization was fired? Bill Smith could have a debilitating stroke (God forbid) and still be the GM for another 15 tears. It’s easy to sit hear and helplessly gnash my teeth.
The Wild, however, seem to have flushed their system. We are left with nothing but hope. Jacques Lemaire, who was a good coach, but his cloying defensive style drove away offensive players? Gone. Marian Gaborik, who simply didn’t want to be here and was a constant resident of the injury report? Gone. The worst offender, GM Doug Risebrough who couldn’t pull the trigger a trade to shed the team of Gaborik, instead giving away draft picks and had the audacity to say that Minnesotans simply had high expectations that were to high? Gone.
In their stead, Todd Richards, the new head coach will bring a refreshingly aggressive palying style from San Jose. Martin Havlat, the new star acquisition, lamented the lack of loyalty from his old team, the Blackhawks, and signed on to be with the team for 6 years. Chuck Fletcher, the new GM has aggressively pursued free agents, adding Havlat and bolstering the defense with Greg Zanon and Shane Hnidy. He is still in the market for Saku Koivu, and has made it apparent that he is willing to swing a big deal for another scorer. It’s clear that he realizes that Minnesota’s expectations are right where they should be.
So, the moral of this story? The angry hockey screed this week is canceled. Instead, I wait with hopeful anticipation for the beginning of the season.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
