Wild 09-10 Season: RIP

Look, it's just not going to happen.

It's not even the points (7) so much as the number of teams over which they would have to ascend (5) in order to get into the top eight.

The loss to the Flames hurt, but come on.

They were three-and-freakin'-oh against the Flames this year! Including two wins in Calgary!! A loss against the Flames was pretty much guaranteed.

And, besides, they were in a position where they needed darn-near perfection - with no 3-point games.

Le non.

To paraphrase Miracle Max: time to go through this season's clothes and look for loose change.

But, you know what? It's cool. I'm pretty hopeful for the future right now. Even Sheppard's been playing better. Maybe they'll go on one of those end-of-the-season-no-pressure runs now, like the Oilers always do. Even if they don't, I'm still okay. Richard's system can clearly work in the NHL. Fletcher has proven to be wily and pro-active - what a nice change of pace on both counts! Barker is a great replacement/upgrade for/from Johnsson. Nolan either likes what he sees enough to stick around, or he's developed a taste for lutefisk. Mikko's establishing his bona fides as a legit top line NHLer. Burns, well he hasn't gotten hurt again so far, so that's good (knock wood.) Havlat and Latendresse are a dynamic duo. Really the only lasting negative this season is Bouchard's continued struggles getting his melon right.

So, the house of Leipold is certainly alive and kicking. As for this season, I mean, you didn't really think they were a playoff team this year anyway, right?

NiNY