A Glimpse of Future Glory

As I sat at my computer yesterday afternoon reading the injury news about Devin Setoguchi, Cal Clutterbuck and Josh Harding I came to the very realistic viewpoint that the Minnesota Wild were primed for a poor performance in Los Angeles. The team was riding high, but they were near the end of a West coast road trip and missing several key players. I told myself a 5-1 loss wouldn't be unexpected.

But they went ahead and destroyed the Kings 4-2. Things are going sooo well for our team it seems it doesn't really matter who they suit up; everyone contributes.

I know this isn't going to last. Sooner or later the Wild are going to start losing again, but I don't expect them to fall too far. Are they the best team in hockey? Obviously not, but they are clearly a playoff team. They are better than I thought they'd be at this point, but that doesn't change my thinking that they're a 5-8 seed in the Western Conference.

Having said all that, I'd like to reiterate that this team's best days are in front of them. Fans of the team know that within 2-3 years the roster will bear the names of Mikael Granlund (who will be this team's first superstar), Jason Zucker, Brett Bulmer, Charlie Coyle and Johan Larsson. And keep in mind I haven't even brought up the possibility of Zach Parise.

Enjoy this season, Wild fans, for it portends to be a glimpse of future glory.