Time for the Wild to Make a Move...

The Wild lost 2-1 to Miikka Kiprusoff and the hated Calgary Flames this afternoon, meaning they fall into 2nd place in the Northwest Division. Right now, the goal must look like the size of a mail slot to the Wild. And putting Kiprusoff in front of the goal is a little like putting Fat Albert in front of the mail slot. It's a wonder the Wild even scored one goal. Actually, they scored two goals, but one was disallowed by The Three Blind Mice due to goaltender interference on Aaron Voros. Never mind that it was a member of the Flames that pushed Voros into Kiprusoff and never mind that the puck was already in the net. Minor details. The refs didn't even bother to watch a video replay.

But, in the end, the Wild have nobody to blame but themselves for today's loss. Even after that horrible call, they had plenty of opportunities to win this game. The main reason for this loss is that their power play was inept, something that has plagued them off and on all year. This is why I believe the Wild have to make a move. The NHL trading deadline is Tuesday and they have to pick up a scorer. Somebody who makes a difference over the course of the game. I give the Wild credit for consistently locking up their young talent such as Brent Burns, Marion Gaborik and Nick Schultz, but they need a quick talent infusion. In the past, they have made "minor" moves at the trade deadline and picked up the likes of a Dominic Moore or Adam Hall. That type of move is not going to cut it this year. I am talking about acquiring an Olli Jokinen, Mats Sundin or Marian Hossa (as long as he is willing to sign a long-term contract here). I realize that it may take trading some of their current talent (Pierre Marc-Bouchard?) to obtain one of these guys. However, as the Wild sit today, there are probably good enough to make the playoffs in the West and lose in the first round to a Dallas or Detroit.

They need to make a move.

Peace,

Jeff