On today’s episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we dive into the faceoff circle to look at another one of Darby Hendrickson’s coaching duties that will need to be filled after his dismissal. We look at some of the statistics that have the Wild in the bottom 10 of faceoffs since 2020-21. We also discuss the notion that the Wild add a “faceoff specialist” in Free Agency and why the Wild have too many needs and not enough roster space to make that happen. We also discuss continued drama with PWHL Minnesota and the dismissal of Natalie Darwitz after a season long power struggle. We finish by discussing Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final and how Florida took Game 1, and what the Oilers need to do to bounce back tonight in Game 2!
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10 Comments
Hey folks! Another new wrinkle of Locked on Wild 2.0 is Daily Listener Questions! We will be looking to get your input on a key topic every single episode.
Today's Question: How would you address the Wild's faceoff concerns? More practice? Different players taking faceoffs? Are the concerns overblown? LET US KNOW! Best responses lead off tomorrow's episode!
The NHL averages between 50-70 faceoffs per game. Some matter, but most don't. Neutral zone faceoffs shouldn't even be factored in as a stat as they are meaningless. Yes, puck possession is very important, but we all know possession can be lost within 1 second of a faceoff win.
It isn't an "end all be all" stat……It just isn't. Now, I will sit back and wait for the replies 😂
Boys, BOB is on the roids or heavy salts, lol. He’s amazing!!!!
When you are as weak as the Wild have been at getting the puck out of their zone, losing faceoffs is a big factor. I think it is more important what each man does within the faceoff situation that is more important. Suffice it to say if you spend the whole game chasing pucks vs possessing the puck it is a problem. If you suck getting the puck up ice, it doesn't matter if you won the faceoff or not!
So In 2024 a former NHLer and a Minnesota legend turned GM couldn’t get along and they felt one of them had to go?
All I can remember is Dallas scoring twice on the PP within seconds, in G1. Their ability to win draws really set the tone for the entire series, even 5 on 5. Starting a PP behind your own net and trying to “set it up” can drain 1:00 or more of time, plus the energy PP1 takes to get it set up. In reverse, getting the puck to the point straight back can give you a full 2:00’s of pressure which is – HUGE, even if you don’t score. Every forward loves playing in the O-zone verses scrambling to play in the D-zone. When you play the Vegas / Dallas / Jets / Oilers this is extremely important. As Travis said, it’s chasing verses control and makes for a long night versus a fun night. I will still say, the goaltender is your #1 penalty killer still, we didn’t have that consistently last year either.
Last comment, get bigger, the forwards also need to win the one on one puck battles. Not every draw lost is the centers issue. Agree with you, get a top 6er first, but dang, if a 60% guy isn’t there cheap, don’t be afraid to bring in a face off specialist.
Beating Oettinger is nothing to brag about.
Didn’t they put Billie Jean King in a power position? Go Woke Go Broke. I think the league flickers out in a couple season. No one cares, Championship and no parade ? Not even a walk through at the Mall of America
How was Darby in charge of face offs? He was brutal in his career