You be the judge...

Comments from Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough regarding his philosophy when dealing with pending unrestricted free-agents seem somewhat puzzling to me. Rather than get something for the asset, the unrestricted free agent, he contends that he is not afraid to let them go for nothing in return. Consider that this is the same GM who admitted that he made a 'mistake' when he allowed Andrew Brunette to walk following the NHL lockout, where Brunette had previously netted 49 points for the Wild during the 2003-04 season. And more recently, last seasons pair of Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston were also shown the door when the team elected not to re-signed them. Interesting to me is the line Risebrough gives concerning losing Demitra and Rolston...'has had no bearing on our season'. Why don't you be the judge...

The Wild currently have 65 points in the standings, with a record of 30-26-5. Last season, after the 61 game mark, the teams record was 34-22-5, good for 73 points. Total goals scored a season ago, using the same 61 games played, was 169 for and 166 against. So far this season the Wild have a league the fifth worst offense, scoring only 2.48 GFA, for a total of 155 goals. On the defensive side, the team is the second best in goals allowed, 2.33 GAA, for a total of 144 allowed. And as for the two big names let go after last season, season totals for the pair had Rolston netting 59 points while Demitra put in 54 points. And at the rate the Wild scores, we'll be lucky if we have two players reach the 50 point mark by seasons end and Mikko Koivu is already over, with 56 pts.

To be fair, one has to consider that Marian Gaborik played a full season last year and had career marks goals, assists, and points. But on the flip side, you also have to take into consideration the fact that Pierre-Marc Bouchard has fallen off his pace of last season when he had career numbers in assists (50) and points (63), with Rolston his linemate the majority of the season. So take a look at the numbers and decide for yourself. I have done so myself and the one thing that keeps coming back to the front of my mind is that this team currently sits in 10th place in the Western Conference and last season they won the Northwest Division.

NHL Network free preview

Don't forget about the preview that started today and runs through Saturday. There are many great shows that air, including a 3 hour trade deadline special that runs on Wednesday. Apparently the preview is offered to over 34 million subscribers of various distributors, that include both satellite and cable providers. So chances are that if you don't already have this network, you should be able to have a look for yourself.

'Butch' Is Back...and more...

P-M Bouchard has seemingly found his confidence, something he admitted was lacking earlier in the season. You can see it in his game and see it on the score-sheet as well. The funny thing is however, he really is not that far off of his pace from last season, where he set career marks in points (63) and a franchise mark in assists (50). Last year at this time, he and the fans were enjoying a breakout season where he netted 38 points (8 g, 30 a) after 47 games. And this season he is off that pace a bit, but his 10 goals and 20 assists is only 8 points behind a season ago. The biggest difference to date is the fact that he, as in previous seasons, earns his points in bunches, something that he has not done consistently this year...until recently that is. Since the All-Star break, Bouchard has 9 points in 4 games. And looking back even further to the New Years Eve game against San Jose, he has netted 17 points in 15 games. Not bad for a player who admittedly has struggled. And on a side note...ever notice how durable a player he is? Bouchard is listed as being 5-10, 173 (soaking wet maybe), but for a player of his size, with the way he plays along the boards, he has not missed many games in his career due to an injury. In fact he has missed only 6 games the past 3 seasons plus this season...

Where's The Red, White, & Blue?

This next bit was really grounded before it even took off so I should have scrapped it. However, in case there is a roster change on the horizon, it could still be relevant. With last weeks trade, the Wild pushed their only American born player out the door in Erik Reitz. So I thought, how unusual it was to have an NHL team in the State of Hockey without a red-blooded American on its roster. And after checking, sure enough, the Wild were the only team in the league without a native rostered. The only problem...Reitz's trading partner in the deal with the Rangers, Dan Fritsche, is from Ohio. Oh well, another bit blown...but the effort was there.

No Change In Captain Or Prices...

As I stated here last week, I believe the time is right to do away with the alternating captain system that has been in place since day 1, and finally name a permanent leader. Well unfortunately, the team felt different but made what I believe is a good choice in Andrew Brunette. This being his second stint with the Wild, Brunette will be serving as captain for his fifth time. And on a related note, the team also decided to stand-pat with next seasons ticket prices, for season ticket holders that is. No word on single game seats but if you are one of the lucky ones, your prices will not be on the increase a year from now.

Almost Forgot...

Cal Clutterbuck was a big factor, again, in the teams 3-0 shutout over the Ducks. Not only did he play his usual disciplined game, but managed to draw three Ducks into penalties. And he was rewarded for his play by getting a career-high 19:30 of ice-time, including 3:14 shorthanded. You have to love the way this guy plays...you know that old 'reckless-abandoned' phrase your coach used to utter...Clutterbuck is that phrase.