The NHL playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, so you're just hours away from enjoying some of the most fast-paced action you'll ever see on your screens. Unfortunately, our beloved Minnesota Wild won't be in this first round, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch.
After all, we are a hockey state, so we should be watching as much great hockey as possible.
Also, just because the Wild can't make the playoffs doesn't mean they can't support a certain team. For better or worse, it can be a fun time to jump on the bandwagon and put your faith and effort into the good of your team. I mean, what else are you going to do? Do you watch the Twins? gross.
In no particular order, here are some teams that I think would be fun to root for as a Wild fan. Here's why:
colorado avalanche
Supporting Avalanche is very easy. Even though this team is of course the Wild's divisional rival, they are the new employer of fan favorite Brandon Duhaime, and it would be really cool for him to leave his name on the Cup.
Plus, even if they routinely slay our favorite hockey teams, seeing them earn a second ring on the roster they've been able to build feels like a just reward. I feel it. Nathan MacKinnon could go crazy in the playoffs.
vancouver canucks
He hasn't had the best time playing with the Canucks lately. Of course, the Wild infamously played them in the bizarre bubble playoffs four years ago, and it was a tough, physical series between two teams that ended up hating each other.
But stick with me here, the Canucks have had zero success in their several generations of existence. zero. Of course, the closest they came was Game 7 in 2011, when they lost their only chance to lift Lord Stanley's Cup.
So, given that idea, and considering the Wild (obviously) have the same amount of championships, if the Canucks can survive bad management and brutal trade after brutal trade, then the Wild too. You can survive as well. If the Canucks win this year, anyone can win.
toronto maple leafs
It's like rooting for Avalanche, but a little less spicy. Yes, it's frustrating that the Maple Leafs appear to be the most important team in the world according to national media personnel, but you have to have some sympathy for their equally irrelevance when it comes to actual wins. It won't happen.
Additionally, Connor Dewar will be there as well, and he will provide some mind-boggling penalty kill shifts that will save the Leafs the entire game.
new york islanders
As well as the Canucks, you'll find your favorite team in the heart of the New York Islanders. It's a pathetic team that doesn't have an identity anymore — they try to play physical hockey, but they have guys like Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck on the ice regularly, but they don't really have Matt Barzal or Bo. – Relying on players like Horvat. We actually win hockey games for them.
A stray puppy on a hockey team can cause a ruckus during the first round. And if they can steal a few playoff wins from the true championship contenders, it would be an absolute blowout. Perhaps he can share the tragedy with hockey fans on Long Island.
Of course, this is just an opinion. You can cheer for your favorite person or not cheer at all and just watch some cool hockey.
That's wild
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The Wild could add another big-time rookie to the roster next season. A number of young players could be in the lineup, including Liam Ogren, Marat Husnutdinov, Danila Yurov, Jesper Walstedt, and Riley Hight, so here are some players you think could get some hype from Calder. Let's rank them. [Hockey Wilderness]
- Game summary
I went off the road…
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The NHL has officially moved the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, and the new owner (who also owns the NBA's Utah Jazz) seems excited about hockey in Utah.[NHL dot com]
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Ranking of the top 50 players in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. [ESPN]
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Auston Matthews had already scored the most goals in a single season during the salary cap era, but reaching the 70-goal mark was never intended. [NHL dot com]
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