Grading the Minnesota Wild's Defensemen And Goalies

We're halfway through the 2013 NHL regular season, and the Wild find themselves in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. With half the season left, can the Wild hang onto a Playoff berth? Or, will they suffer another late-season swoon that causes them to miss the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season? 

One way or another the answer to those questions figures to lie in the play of the club's defensemen and goaltenders down the stretch. With the Wild still struggling to produce consistent offense, their defense has been the major catalyst for their success throughout much of the season. And their  defense will be the reason they either make or miss the playoffs, because this club is not going to turn into a goal scoring juggernaut overnight.

So, what better time than the season's mid-way point to hand out grades to the Minnesota Wild's defensemen and goaltenders.

Minnesota Wild 2013 Season Preview Part 1: Line Combinations and Defensive Pairings

2013 Minnesota Wild Preview Part 1: Line Combinations and Defensive Pairings

The Wild enter the abbreviated 2013 season with high expectations; thanks to the free agent signings of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter and the arrival of star prospect, Mikael Granlund. Will the team meet these expectations?  Will they succumb to the pressure and fail to produce the expected results? What will the lines look like? What prospects will make the team out of training camp? Can the Wild win the Northwest Division? Those are just a few of the many questions surrounding the Wild this season. Let's try to answer some of those questions.

Houston Aeros Update

The following is a quick update on the Minnesota Wild's AHL team-the Houston Aeros.

Standings: In 16 games played, Houston has seven wins, six losses, one overtime loss and two shootout losses (7-6-1-2). They trail the Oklahoma City Barons by one point for second place, and are currently seven points behind the Charlotte Checkers for first place in the AHL's South Division. The Aeros are currently tied with the Rochester Americans for eighth place in the AHL's Western Conference. This is important, as only the top eight teams from each conference will make the playoffs

Houston Aeros Preview

The following is the Houston Aeros' AHL roster for the 2012/13 season. The Aeros are the Minnesota Wild's AHL affiliate.

Forwards:
Mikael Granlund,Charlie Coyle, Kris Foucalt, Jason Zucker, Brett Bulmer, Jarrod Palmer, Chad Rau, Johan Larsson, David McIntyre, Carson McMillan, Justin Fontaine, Nick Palmieri, Zach Phillips, Joel Broda.