Wild Lines for Home Opener: How to Beat the Avs

Ahead of tomorrow’s home opener against the Colorado Avalanche, We evaluate the projected Minnesota Wild lines and delve in to the secret of beating the Avalanche.

Happy opening day, Wild fans. Today is the first day of the NHL regular season, which should probably be a federal holiday. Tomorrow, our Minnesota Wild will take on the Colorado Avalanche in the first game of a home and home series. The schedule writers are fickle, but I feel like they got this one right. Based on practices and information gathered this week, here are the lines we think the Wild will go with.

Forwards:

Zach Parise – Mikael Granlund – Jason Pominville

Matt Cooke – Mikko Koivu – Thomas Vanek

Nino Niederreiter – Erik Haula – Charlie Coyle

Jason Zucker – Kyle Brodziak – Ryan Carter

Extra: Stu Bickel

Analysis:

Not a lot of changes to the Wild lines from Monday’s practice. I’ve heard much discussion about Matt Cooke occupying the left wing spot on the Vanek-Koivu line, which moves Vanek to the right side. On the surface, it seems like Coyle or Niederreiter should have shifted up to the second line. Both are natural right wingers and both have a little more offensive prowess than Cooke (at least last year.) Cooke brings an aggressive forecheck and a fearless approach to puck possession. Cooke is great along the boards, winning battles that will set up Vanek and Koivu. Cooke is also a good North-South player, looking pretty speedy in this year’s training camp.

Cooke was 1st among all Wild forwards and 30th among all NHL forwards in hits last year with 190. I don’t expect Cooke to occupy the second line permanently, but for the time being, I think it’s a good idea.

May 9, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Matt Cooke (24) celebrates a goal scored by forward Justin Fontaine (14) during the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks in game four of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Haula moving to center makes sense, as he’s better on the dot than Coyle and matches up well with Nathan Mackinnon speed wise. I actually like that line, with the exception of Niederreiter at left wing. Niederreiter’s a sniper, and has a great shot, but he shoots most from the high slot and left point.

Ryan Carter will make his Wild debut on the fourth line with Brodziak and Zucker. I’m excited to see what Carter brings, as his style of play reminds me a lot of Stephane Veilleux with a little more offense.

How to beat the Avalanche, GPWs take.

1) Beat Varlamov

Semyon Varlamov is unequivocally an elite goaltender; however, he can be figured out. Varlamov catches left and keeps his glove low, leaving a space below the crossbar to beat him. With Vanek, Pomminville and Coyle rounding out the right side on the top three lines, the Wild have an opportunity to put it away past him.

2) Possession

Because the Avalanche are a poor possession team, ranking 27th overall in Corsi percentage at 46.60 last season, the Wild need to carry the puck in to the zone as often as possible, rather than dumping it in and allowing a speedy line-up to push the Wild right back out. Adding Jarome Iginla to replace Paul Stastny is essentially a wash in terms of possession players. Iginla had a 57.99% Corsi last season compared to Stastny’s 52.61%; however, Iginla had around 64% offensive zone starts with the President’s cup winning Bruins.

3) Protect Kuemper

Kuemper had an up and down pre-season. During the quarterfinals last season, Kuemper posted an admirable .913 save percentage with one shutout. Kuemper has promise and looks to be the goalkeeper of the future for the Wild, but the defensive corps will need to protect him early in the season.

Who wins this game, Wild fans? Let us know your prediction and score in the comments below!