They just hang in there

It's really been hard to count them out. Losing the first of back-to-back games in the teams Western Canada trip, the Minnesota Wild looked all but dead for making the post-season. Then, the team goes out and puts up a 'W' against the Oilers in the second game and inches back into the logjam that occupies the Western Conference. The problem is there are only 6 games remaining and time is running out for a team that seems to be destined for the wrong side of the playoff line in the west. For things to turn for the good, Minnesota would have to put together a winning streak, something they have failed to do for most of the season. The fact is that winning one here and there is not going to get it done. A good old fashion win streak is what this team needs but something that this Wild team has not been able to do for most of the season. Minnesota has not nailed down 3 consecutive wins since way back in mid-November, so chances are slim that the team can pull out a good stretch now. And the lack of being able to string together wins pretty much sums up the season, an inconsistent ride throughout.

Consider the upcoming schedule. Next up for the Wild is a two game home-stand against the Canucks and Flames. Vancouver has dug themselves out of an early season hole and are within striking distance of the Northwest Division leading Flames, the second of the Wild's upcoming opponents. After those two division battles, Minnesota gets to visit the Red Wings, a team playing for the Presidents Trophy, so you know they won't phone it in. And even if they did, they probably have a better shot of winning than losing. The next game on the schedule is a home contest against the Stars, the only team remaining on the Wilds schedule that is on the down-slide and below them in the standings. Finally, the season wraps up with a home game against the Predators, who unlike Minnesota is above the ever thin playoff line, and ends on the road against the Blue Jackets, who have had a break-out season and will not falter down the stretch. And not only do the Wild have to take care of their own 'business', they must leap-frog the Ducks & Oilers, and possibly the Blues & Predators, the two teams which are currently occupying the final two playoff positions.

The team is hanging in there, but it is getting close to being able to call it. At this point, this late in the season, I guess you could have predicted early on that this was the way it would probably unfold, given the teams ups and downs from game to game. From a fans perspective, it's a bit tough to swallow considering the team went from winning the Northwest Division one year ago to hanging by a thread and very close to not making the post-season the following year. Very soon we'll know if we can call this season a total failure or just a disappointment...