Finland Done at Worlds; Clock Ticking on Mikael Granlund

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

For those out there who seem to think the Wild have a prospect that could potentially save to world (Read: all of you), the news of the day is that Finland is officially out of the World Championships, losing to the Czechs. According to Chris Johnston on Twitter, this is the first time in 12 tournaments that Mikko Koivu has failed to medal. That should make him happy.

Of course, the real news is that, with Finland done, the Wild can sign Mikael Granlund whenever they get a deal done. Of course, he has to be signed by 11:59 PM

Update: 3rd Annual Sure Wish We Had Something Better to do With Our Time Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket Challenge

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs about to head into the finals, we thought it might be nice to give you all an update on the 3rd Annual Hockey Wilderness Sure Wish We Had Something Better to do With Our Time Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket Challenge. Since you know the 3rd Annual Hockey Wilderness Sure Wish We Had Something Better to do With Our Time Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket Challenge really is the best thing going right now.

Other than the Yelnats Cup. Oh, and the contest we are going to announce tomorrow. (Was that a teaser? Yep. It sure was.)

So, join us after the jump to see who is still in it to win it, and who is already full eliminated from the 3rd Annual Hockey Wilderness Sure Wish We Had Something Better to do With

Tough Mudder: Coach Mike Yeo, fellow Wild staffers conquer torturous course

Source: TwinCities.com by By Bruce Brothers<br>bbrothers@pioneerpress.com

SOMERSET, Wis. -- Darryl Sydor won two Stanley Cups during a stellar 1,291-game NHL career, but as the sun and the temperature climbed higher on the morning of Saturday, May 19, and hundreds of participants in front of Sydor also began climbing a wall separating them from the start line of an event called the Tough Mudder, Sydor took a breath and exhaled slowly.

Coach Mike Yeo, fellow Wild staffers conquer tortuous Tough Mudder

Source: TwinCities.com by By Bruce Brothers<br>bbrothers@pioneerpress.com

SOMERSET, Wis. -- Darryl Sydor won two Stanley Cups during a stellar 1,291-game NHL career, but as the sun and the temperature climbed higher on the morning of Saturday, May 19, and hundreds of participants in front of Sydor also began climbing a wall separating them from the start line of an event called the Tough Mudder, Sydor took a breath and exhaled slowly.

2012 Yelnats Cup Playoffs: Round 1, Days 11 and 12

Source: Hockey Wilderness by JSLandry

Greetings Yelnats watchers! Today, we've got 5 games on the docket, all game 6s, hence all possible elimination games. In case you missed it, the Columbus Blue Jackets, of all teams, are the first team to make it to the second round, dispatching the Dallas Stars in 5 games. Also, the Wild are in danger of getting eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks after leading 2 games to none. I decided to just watch the Wild game today. I'll watch all game 7s that occur tomorrow though. Tonight, we have:

Winnipeg Jets @ New York Islanders: Game 6

Tom Powers: Are owners at fault for Minnesota's unprecedented sports skid?

Source: TwinCities.com by Pioneer Press<br>

The owner of a professional sports team is a lot like your appendix. You never really think about him until you feel a sharp pain. And by then it's usually too late.

Congratulations to One of Our Own

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

At some point today, one of our own, Dan Chan, will graduate from Bryant University with his Bachelors degree in finance. While none of us here at Hockey Wilderness truly understand what a finance degree entails (OK some of us do), we know that whatever path it leads Dan down, he will be more than successful.

With graduation comes the torture joy of the job hunt. With that, if anyone is looking for a finance major with international experience, and an eye for the talent that is hockey prospects, let us know.

Congratulations, Dan. Your hard work has finally come to its conclusion. Your entire Hockey Wilderness family is proud of your accomplishment. Enjoy the moment, and try to soak it all in. This is one of only a

Charlie Coyle uses his puck-handling magic to help steer Sea Dogs to another Memorial Cup (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Saint John's forward finds inspiration from his family as he provides Sea Dogs fans with thrills and goals – and maybe another CHL title.

Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild: The biggest losers

Source: TwinCities.com by By Mike Bass<br>mbass@pioneerpress.com

The major league sports scene in the Twin Cities isn't just bad.

It's never been this bad.

Rally 'round the Lynx, boys: It's a brave new world

Source: TwinCities.com by By Katy McEwen<br>Special to the Pioneer Press

Editor's note: Katy McEwen is the associate artistic director for the Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre (BNW). For more than half a century, the BNW has been performing satirical sketch comedy that is original, topical -- and, yes, freakin' funny (and longer than anyone else in the country, by the way). The current show, "Occupy Arden Hills: or, Brother Can You Spare a Dome?" takes a hilarious look at both the occupy movement and the local preoccupation with a new stadium and runs at their new downtown Minneapolis theatre (824 Hennepin Ave.) through June 30. For information, call 612-332-6620 or go to theatre.bravenewworkshop.com.

Minnesota Wild Prospects Set to Begin Memorial Cup

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

With the Memorial Cup about to start to our North, we once again turn to Jamie Tozer of the Saint John Sea Dogs site Station Nation. With Cahrlie Coyle and Zack Phillips tearing up the Q playoffs, we thought it might be nice to know how they may fare in the Memorial Cup. Thank you to Jamie for the amazing work, once again!

- by Jamie Tozer

This year's Memorial Cup is looking like a good one.

You've got the Western Hockey League champion Edmonton Oil Kings who have only been around since the 2007-08 season. You've got

Ben Goessling: Wired for the Tough Mudder

Source: TwinCities.com by By Ben Goessling<br>bgoessling@pioneerpress.com

By now, you've probably heard Wild coach Mike Yeo is taking part in the Tough Mudder event this weekend in Somerset, Wis., with a few of his coaches and equipment people. Maybe you know what awaits the group -- climbs over 15-foot walls, a swim through icy water and a sprint through a field of live wires, to name a few. You might even be asking, "Are the Wild going to have to look for another new coach? Who would be masochistic enough to sign up for something like this?"

Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo to tackle fire and drain in Tough Mudder

Source: TwinCities.com by By Bruce Brothers<br>bbrothers@pioneerpress.com

Mike Yeo's sizeable challenge of leading the Minnesota Wild back into the NHL playoffs next season will be of secondary importance to the coach on Saturday, May 19.

NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #14 Brendan Gaunce

Source: Hockey Wilderness by danccchan

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

The Wild hold seven picks this year, including the 7th overall pick. The last time that Wild had a pick this high was when the team selected Benoit Pouliot 4th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (the beginning of the Wild's awful draft record, as seen by our pal's inspiration for their blog's name...).

However, since GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM Brett Flahr arrived, the team has started to see some

Join The Wild On Pinterest

Source: NHL.com

The Minnesota Wild has caught up to the Pinterest craze. Just call us the "Pinnesota Wild!" (sorry) You can now ‘pin’ your favorite photos, images and other cool stuff related to your favorite hockey team, the Minnesota Wild. The Wild has o...

St. Paul Saints' Minor League Baseball Promotions Should Inspire Other Minnesota Franchises

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

St. Paul Saints' Minor League Baseball Promotions Should Inspire Other Minnesota Franchises

From our sister site, the good folks at SBNation Minnesota, we can have some fun with the Wild (and the other "major" sports for that matter). We'll give you one of two for the Wild. Go read the other.

Christmas Cup: The Wild will host an annual holiday tournament that features the NHL's four best teams according to the standings in mid-December. Not only will it provide the playoff hockey intensity that every fan craves in the middle of the season, it's basically the only chance the

Community NHL Mock Draft 2012: New York Islanders

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

Moving on to the fourth pick in our draft, we find ourselves on Long Island. Much like our some of your beloved Minnesota Vikings, the New York Islanders find themselves in a stadium battle. Threats to move (even if it is to Brooklyn), a decrepit building that, quite literally, leaks through the roof, and a fan base caught in the middle of the politics all add up to a team with distractions.

Add in one of the oddest relationships in the league with the media covering the team, and you have the makings of a mess. There is certainly plenty of blame to go around,

()

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Finns, Russia go through, Slovaks upset Canada (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Holders Finland advanced to the semi-finals of the world ice hockey championships with a last-gasp winner against the United States on Thursday, but Olympic champions Canada were shocked by Slovakia.

2012 Yelnats Cup Playoffs: Round 1, Days 9 and 10

Source: Hockey Wilderness by JSLandry

Hello Yelnats fans! Sorry for my absence yesterday, I'll make it up with two servings of Yelnats today. Here's what's on the menu:

New York Islanders @ Winnipeg Jets: Game 5

Edmonton Oilers @ Colorado Avalanche: Game 5 (Featured game)

Minnesota Wild @ Anaheim Ducks: Game 5 (Featured game)

Dallas Stars @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Game 5

Tampa Bay Lightning @

Finns and Russia go through, Slovaks upset Canada (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Reigning champions Finland advanced into the semi-finals of the world ice hockey championships with a last-gasp winner against the USA, but Olympic gold medallists Canada suffered a shock loss to Slovakia.

Minnesota Wild's Mikko Koivu helps Finland beat U.S. in world hockey

Source: TwinCities.com by Pioneer Press <br>

Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu deflected in the tying goal off his skate 13 minutes and 2 seconds into the third period, and Finland went on to defeat the United States 3-2 in the World Ice Hockey Championship quarterfinals on Thursday, May 17, in Helsinki, Finland.

Finland beats US 3-2 at hockey worlds (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

HELSINKI (AP) Finnish forward Jesse Joensuu's winning goal with nine seconds left lifted Finland past the United States 3-2 Thursday for a place in the semifinals of the hockey world championships in Helsinki.

Koivu's tying goal helps leads Finland to last-second win over the U.S.

Source: Russo's Rants

Mikko Koivu scored a big goal in helping Finland upset the USA

Anthony LaPanta is the new Wild TV play-by-play sportscaster

Source: MN Wild Freak by MN Wild Freak

NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #13 Hampus Lindholm

Source: Hockey Wilderness by danccchan

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

The Wild hold seven picks this year, including the 7th overall pick. The last time that Wild had a pick this high was when the team selected Benoit Pouliot 4th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (the beginning of the Wild's awful draft record, as seen by our pal's inspiration for their blog's name...).

However, since GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM Brett Flahr arrived, the team has started to see some

Community NHL Mock Draft 2012: Montreal Canadiens

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

When drafting third overall, the temptation to do something really stupid has to cross a GM's mind. Especially when your team is one of the biggest names not only in hockey, but in all of sports. Add to that the fact that there were some solid expectations for this team after making a run in the playoffs in the 2010-11 season, and you just had to expect the assistant coach to get fired.

And eventually the GM, but first the assistant coach.

Now, the Montreal Canadiens have a choice to make. Well, if you ask the folks in the know it isn't much of a choice. With

How the Last 13 Stanley Cup Champions Didn't Repeat, Part 3: Fan's Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

In the past 13 years, all 13 Stanley Cup champions fell short of raising the Cup another consecutive time. The first part of this series looked at how the champions from 1999, 2000 and 2001 failed to repeat. Last week, part two studied how the 2002, 2003 and 2004 champions missed the chance to win again. This week, part three explains how the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 champions were undone the next year.

Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Kevin Weekes, Michael Russo and the Coyotes get dirty (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

It's a Wednesday edition of Marek vs. Wyshynski beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, and we're talking about the following and more: Special Guest Stars: Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune talks Minnesota Wild hockey, Todd Richards and the Blue … Continue reading →

NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #12 Radek Faksa

Source: Hockey Wilderness by danccchan

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

The Wild hold seven picks this year, including the 7th overall pick. The last time that Wild had a pick this high was when the team selected Benoit Pouliot 4th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (the beginning of the Wild's awful draft record, as seen by our pal's inspiration for their blog's name...).

However, since GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM Brett Flahr arrived, the team has started to see some

Please Support the Wild for Wounded Warriors at the Tough Mudder

Source: Hockey Wilderness by nathaneide

Please Support the Wild for Wounded Warriors at the Tough Mudder

Minnesota Wild Head Coach Mike Yeo and the Wild for Wounded Warriors Team is preparing for Tough Mudder, a 12-mile endurance challenge that is the ultimate test of strength, grit, stamina and camaraderie. Ready or not, the following staff members will participate in the Twin Cities Tough Mudder event on May 19 at the Somerset Amphitheater in Somerset, Wisconsin: Matt Benz, Tony DaCosta, Don Fuller, Darby Hendrickson, Kirk Olson, Darryl Sydor, John Worley and Mike Yeo. Let's help them reach their fundraising goal. All donations benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The

Community NHL Mock Draft 2012: Columbus Blue Jackets

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

Yesterday, we kicked off our now annual community mock draft with the Edmonton Oilers. The consensus seems to be that the Oilers need to trade down and draft some defense, but for now, they maintain the first pick, and thus we work within those bounds.

The first overall pick always seems to be the easiest, right? We haven't had a first overall go completely bust in a few years, unless of course you count Taylor Hall, and I still have this gut feeling that Yakupov may be the one who does. I have no

Todd Richards brings lessons from Minnesota Wild stint to Columbus

Source: TwinCities.com by By Bruce Brothers<br>bbrothers@pioneerpress.com

Remember how Todd Richards, when he took over as Wild coach in June 2009, talked about an up-tempo style of play that in theory would bring the fans out of their seats at the Xcel Energy Center?

Inside the Los Angeles Kings Twitter feed, social media sensation of NHL playoffs (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

How many times has Dewayne Hankins been called "classless" during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs? "Yes … oh, gosh, a million times," he said. "It's so funny what people throw around as classless. But it's all in good fun. You're … Continue reading →

2012 Yelnats Cup Playoffs: Round 1, Day 8

Source: Hockey Wilderness by JSLandry

Hey Yelnats fans! Today, we've got 4 game 4s on the docket. No series will end today though, no sweeps are possible. However, our Minnesota Wild could have a 3-1 choke hold on the Ducks and so could the Lightning, the Leafs and the Blue Jackets against their respective opponents. Here's what we're looking at today:

Minnesota Wild @ Anaheim Ducks: Game 4 (Featured game)

Dallas Stars @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Game 4

Minnesota Wild Hire Anthony LaPanta for Vox Despite Backlash; Fans Issue Hollow Threats

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

About a week ago, the great and all seeing Mike Russo reported that the Wild were close to hiring Anthony LaPanta as the new play by play voice of the team on television broadcasts run by FSN. That post currently has 71 comments, not one of them positive. First Round Bust wrote about the negatively galvanizing effect the decision had for Wild fans, and Nick wrote about the choice being "not acceptable" over at Hitting the Post.

The reaction on the Wild's Facebook page has been

NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #11 Cody Ceci

Source: Hockey Wilderness by danccchan

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

The Wild hold seven picks this year, including the 7th overall pick. The last time that Wild had a pick this high was when the team selected Benoit Pouliot 4th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (the beginning of the Wild's awful draft record, as seen by our pal's inspiration for their blog's name...).

However, since GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM Brett Flahr arrived, the team has started to see some

Wild signs minor-league affiliate, the Orlando Solar Bears

Source: MN Wild Freak by MN Wild Freak

Wild Names Broadcast Teams

Source: NHL.com

The Minnesota Wild has announced its television and radio broadcast teams for the upcoming season. The Wild named Anthony LaPanta television play-by-play announcer. The team also announced it has re-signed broadcasters Mike Greenlay (television a...

Minnesota Wild TV voice: Anthony LaPanta

Source: TwinCities.com by Pioneer Press<br>

Anthony LaPanta will be the Minnesota Wild television play-by-play announcer, the team announced Tuesday, May 15.

It's official: LaPanta named Wild TV play-by-play man

Source: Russo's Rants

FSN's Anthony LaPanta is the Wild's new play-by-play man

It's official: LaPanta is named Wild TV play-by-play man

Source: Russo's Rants

FSN's Anthony LaPanta is the Wild's new play-by-play man

Community NHL Mock Draft 2012: Edmonton Oilers

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

For the third straight year, the Edmonton Oilers will have the first overall selection. This year, they didn't even earn the right to do so, but won the draft lottery and with it the pick. How miserable the Blue Jackets must be to have put up with the season they had, and not even get the benefit of the first overall pick.

Of course, the Oilers are stock piling first overall picks, thinking this is a game of Connect Four, and not NHL hockey. The question of who the Oilers will pick likely comes down to if they are smart enough to realize that yet another forward is not what this team needs,

NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #10 Teuvo Teravainen

Source: Hockey Wilderness by danccchan

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

The Wild hold seven picks this year, including the 7th overall pick. The last time that Wild had a pick this high was when the team selected Benoit Pouliot 4th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (the beginning of the Wild's awful draft record, as seen by our pal's inspiration for their blog's name...).

However, since GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM Brett Flahr arrived, the team has started to see some

Hockey Wilderness Community NHL Mock Draft 2012: Edmonton Oilers

Source: Hockey Wilderness by BReynolds

For the third straight year, the Edmonton Oilers will have the first overall selection. This year, they didn't even earn the right to do so, but won the draft lottery and with it the pick. How miserable the Blue Jackets must be to have put up with the season they had, and not even get the benefit of the first overall pick.

Of course, the Oilers are stock piling first overall picks, thinking this is a game of Connect Four, and not NHL hockey. The question of who the Oilers will pick likely comes down to if they are smart enough to realize that yet another forward is not what this team needs,

Russo: Announcement on Wild's play-by-play voice delayed by backlash

Source: Russo's Rants

Anthony LaPanta will be the next voice of the Wild

Anthony LaPanta to be next Wild TV play by play announcer

Source: Hockey Wilderness by nathaneide

For the last couple of days Wild fans have been complaining about the rumored hiring of Anthony LaPanta as the next TV voice of the Wild on Fox Sports North. After the release of Dan Terhaar, many WIld fans were hoping to inject some new life and a new voice to the Wild broadcast, which has not been well received since Mike Goldberg's departure.

Michael Russo is reporting that LaPanta will indeed get the play by play job for the Minnesota Wild.

An announcement was supposed to come Monday, but things got sidetracked when the Wild and FSN were taken aback by the