NHL Network free preview

As if on cue, the NHL Network is running a free preview that starts Monday, March 2 and runs through Sunday, March 7. The preview will be offered to more than 34 million subscribers of various distributors of both the satellite and cable varieties (check your provider).

During this preview, the big date that pops into my mind is March 4, the NHL trade deadline. And according to the NHL Network website, the network will be running a '3 hour On The Fly Trade Deadline Special'. Now if you have never had the chance of watching 'On The Fly', this is a program that airs nightly and is a recap show of all of the days games. It includes highlights, interviews, analysis, and even live break-in's to games currently underway. It's a great show if you are looking to fill your fix on the NHL games, so I can imagine that their deadline special will be just as entertaining.

Additional programs that will be available during the free preview period include various NHL shows including NHL Live!, The Captains Driven, Day in the Life, as well as 5 live games (4 NHL & 1 AHL). There are also other specials that run on this network that can be well worth your time, including a new series 'A Day That Changed the Game'. One of my favorite programs is 'Vintage Games' where we may be lucky enough to see a Minnesota Wild game or better yet, an old Minnesota North Stars match-up.

Radio on my television

Non-Minnesota Wild stuff since I don't know what to say about the SO loss last night other than the Kings and Wild were evenly matched, and that should say a lot...

Radio programs on my TV, that's interesting. And that's what you get when you tune into the 'NHL Live' show that airs on XM Radio and can be seen on the NHL Network.

If you have not heard the show on XM Radio or the watched the television version on the NHL Network, you don't know what you are missing. The show includes a variety of hosts, including former Minnesota Wild player Jim Dowd and also includes the very knowledgeable Don LaGreca and E.J. Hradik. From time to time I have heard Bill Clement as well. There is no doubt though, that all of the personalities that you do get on the show on any given day have a ton of NHL knowledge and the inside information is very interesting as well. And if you are one of the lucky ones like myself, the television version does have a video feed from the studio, so it's not like you are staring at a blank screen when listening.

Anyway, I don't get nearly enough time to watch as much as I would like, but I would recommend checking it out if you have the chance. The one knock I will give the show is that there is a clear slant to the Eastern Conference. But if you can look past, it's a good program.

Backstrom leaves the X

OK, one Wild bit...Has Niklas Backstrom played his last game at the X is the question I have heard or read from our local media at least 10 times today. The fuel behind the question is because the Wild are now road-bound from now until after the March 4 NHL trade deadline. So fans are fretting about whether or not he'll be moved before the team makes it back for its March 10 game against the San Jose Sharks.

I will throw this out there again in case you might have missed it...Manny Legace is out there and can be had for nearly nothing. I see no problems in letting Legace and Harding duel it out for the remaining games. I personally do not think that the Wild will make the playoffs, even with Backstrom, but if they did, this team is not built for a long run. On the other-hand, if our All-Star is willing to sign for a decent discount, then by all means, lock him up. It's not that I don't think he is worth what the market will pay, but I do think the Wild have more pressing needs than goaltending.