Minnesota Wild: 5 Takeaways from the 2015 Preseason

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Dec 9, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom (32) celebrates with forward Ryan Carter (18) and forward Mikael Granlund (64) following the game against the New York Islanders at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Islanders 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Wild wrapped up their 2015 preseason with a 6-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. The Wild finished with a 4-2 record overall, and will look to carry some of that momentum into the 2015 regular season.

In being projected to miss the playoffs by multiple NHL sites, we learned some things about the Wild that could propel them into the playoffs, while also noting some variables that could play into other obstacles of their season as well. Here are five things we learned about the Minnesota Wild’s 2015 preseason.

1. Mikael Granlund poised to step up

Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund (64) shoots during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

A two year, six million dollar deal is what headlined the off-season for Mikael Granlund. Scoring only eight goals last season was a major dissapointment, while playing on the teams first line with the likes of Zach Parise and Jason Pominville.

Studying Granlund in the preseason has me to believe he is ready to do big things in route of becoming a better goal scorer. Only shooting the puck 99 times last season, Granlund will need to fire more pucks at the net this year. His scoring potential seemed to be evident this preseason though, setting him up for the breakout season we’ve all been anticipating.

2. Charlie Coyle on the verge of breaking out

Apr 18, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Wild center Charlie Coyle (3) in the game against the St. Louis Blues during the first period in game two of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Coyle was a first round draft pick for the San Jose Sharks in 2010, and has only scored 31 goals and recorded 48 assists since. When you watched him play, you can see that he is oozing with potential, but just cant seem to put it together.

This year just may be that year.

Coyle recorded one goal and seven assists in the preseason, putting him among the league best in scoring. He will have either Thomas Vanek or Jason Zucker along side him, who are both capable of putting pucks in the net. Look for Coyle to be among the team leaders in assists this season, while taking that next step, we’ve been waiting for.

3. We should see more of Tyler Graovac this season

Jan 2, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild center Tyler Graovac (53) skates with the puck in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild win 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

With 21 goals and 25 assists in Iowa last season, Tyler Graovac needs to be implemented in the Minnesota Wild’s lineup more this season. The team’s 7th round pick in 2011, Graovac has come a very long way, and needs to be given a fair shot in the NHL. He played fairly well in the preseason, and looked like he belonged on the ice in scoring multiple goals.

Although it is hard to see where Graovac may fit into the team right now, he needs to be the teams first call up, if somebody goes down, while also relieving certain players when they are braced with fatigue. Graovac only played in three games for the Minnesota Wild last season.

The former Belleville Bull and Ottawa 67, Graovac, is 22 years old and ready for the NHL game.

4. Defense is on an elite level

Oct 23, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Mathew Dumba (55) against the Arizona Coyotes at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Coyotes 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Wild only allowed four goals against in their four wins this preseason, which gives fans a reason to believe Mike Yeo and his defensive minded system are working. The Wild’s 2.42 goals against average last season ranked 6th in the NHL, and they are returning everybody.

The team also added Mike Reilly, who was one of the biggest college free agents to hit the market. This is a team that is very underrated on the defensive side of the ice, and will rely on that to be the focal point of their game again this season

5. Questionable goaltending situation

Dec 5, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom (32) replaces goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Xcel Energy Center. The Ducks won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The controversy surrounding who will be the teams concrete backup this season is back. Niklas Backstrom had surgery this off-season, and has looked good in the preseason, despite the controversy surrounding his career here in Minnnesota.

Darcy Kuemper has looked “shakey”, giving fans another headache, regarding the goaltending situation this year. Although we are very lucky to have Devan Dubnyk as the starting goaltender here in Minnesota, the back up situation may be a cause for concern if neither Backstrom or Kuemper can develop any consistency this season.

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