Comments on: It’s probably time to start taking the Wild seriously http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/ ProHockeyTalk on NBCSports.com Wed, 22 May 2013 00:56:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: bcisleman http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23895 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:58:15 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23895 Contrary to popular opinion, Garth Snow doesn’t make many mistakes. One mistake he did make IMHO was not to sign Jared Spurgeon. Glad Jared’s doing well, just wish it were in a blue and orange sweater.

]]> By: davebabychreturns http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23822 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:18:18 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23822 At the end of the year that’s exactly right. But if you’re talking about predicting future performance (which is what I was getting at) that’s not necessarily the case; a guy with a shooting percentage of 30% might lead the league in goals after the first week but it’d be crazy to bet he’ll win the Richard trophy by keeping that pace up.

Anyway if you look at last season the teams that met in the finals were #1 and #2 overall in even strength goals for/against ratio in the regular season.. and the #1 team won that series. I don’t think what I’m saying is all that controversial, frankly.

But yes – it’s got to be sweet for Wild fans at this stage of the season, especially since until this season the post-Lemaire area looked pretty bleak. I don’t particularly like the team but it’s easy to sympathize with a fanbase that got the short end of the stick.

]]> By: rarebarbarians http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23821 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:17:21 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23821 Stats don’t mean nothing if they did Vancouver, San Jose and Washington would’ve won Stanley Cups and they didn’t, they all won the last three President’s trophy. Also if you score the most goals doesn’t automatically win you the Stanley Cup. It’s a long season and it looks good for the Wild to make the playoffs, then anything can happen in the playoffs, just ask Montreal with Halak.

]]> By: govtminion http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23815 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:04:35 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23815 They’re like the NHL version of the Denver Broncos- no one can figure out why they keep winning, but why question it? If it’s working, roll with it.

]]> By: hodog16 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23813 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:02:39 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23813 It’s not Baby in the username, it’s Babych as in Dave Babych the former Canucks defenseman.

Wins matter the most but can be short lived. Ask the capitals how that blistering start is treating them. If the Wild continue the trend good for them, don’t see them coming out of the west regardless.

]]> By: ole1474 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23808 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:39:58 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23808 Stat this stat that, all I know is the Wild have the most wins and points in the NHL. I am going to enjoy this as long as I can!

]]> By: bulldozer20 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23799 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:12:11 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23799 Choke on that baaaaybaaaay.

]]> By: spiciercheez http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23793 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:15:10 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23793 Only stat that matters is the number in the W column…..

]]> By: davebabychreturns http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/09/its-probably-time-to-start-taking-the-wild-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-23787 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:01:33 +0000 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/?p=58918#comment-23787 Statistically, it’s a little bewildering how the Wild have managed this..

Their powerplay is abysmal and their penalty kill is outside the top ten.

Their even strength goals for/against ratio is good (9th overall) but not great, and if you put any stock into CORSI ratings not a single Wild player has a positive rating at even strength and their individual PDO ratings (on ice shooting percentage plus save percentage – an indicator of luck) are unusually high.

Those sorts of figures – although it’s early and the sample sizes are not great – usually indicate that a team is overperforming. Obviously I don’t know if that’s the case with the Wild – maybe they will get Vezina-calibre goaltending all year and keep winning despite mediocre special teams and getting outshot every night.

But I’m not betting on it.

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