Minnesota Wild: All Hail Captain Mikko Koivu
The captain of a NHL hockey team is the leader in the locker room and the face of the franchise. For the Minnesota Wild the man with the “C” is Mikko Koivu. With the additions of great player leaders like Zach Parise and Ryan Suter it has been argued that Koivu might not be the right man to wear the “C” for the Wild anymore.
When the Wild have struggled many have been quick to point their blame at Koivu and say that the team’s struggles must be a direct reflection of his leadership. I have to admit I’ve been one of those critics at certain times, especially last season around the end of December. Now that the Wild are off to a 7-2-2 start to this season arguably one of their best starts ever, has there been enough praise for the captain of the Wild?
My though is not even close to enough credit and praise have been given to Koivu for the success the Wild have seen in the first month of this season. Mikko has always been known as the silent leader who lets his play and example on the ice lead the team. So looking at his play on the ice he has 11 points in 11 games, is first in the team in points and assists, second in plus minus, and fifth in ice time. Koivu has decidedly left his leadership mark in the best way possible, on the score sheet.
Another huge indicator of his leadership this season is the play of his line. Right now his line, the Wild’s number 2 scoring line, with himself, Nino Niederreiter, and Jason Zucker is considered the team’s best line. Niederreiter has 4 goals, Zucker has 3, and Koivu has 3 goals for a team high total of 10. That’s a further sign that like any other great hockey leader he is not only playing great, but he’s making the players he plays with great.
In the past many have decided to focus on a perceived lack of scoring as another strong reason why he shouldn’t be captain. I’d argue that he actually he has been a great scorer with an average of 50 points per season over 10 seasons. Additionally I’d also point to his two way play being a huge strength. Many seem to forget that Koivu is a career +32 and has only finished the season in the negative twice (one of those seasons being his rookie year). So has Koivu ever really been that bad?
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Perhaps the most impressive thing I’ve seen from Koivu as a leader this year is his resilience. Heading into this season I can’t even remember how many people had said the pressure to win is squarely on Mikko’s shoulders and that his better days were behind him.
Many called for him to be traded and felt resentful that his contract would not even allow the subject to be entertained. Still Koivu shook all that off and simply went out and played great hockey. When the pressure is on great leaders shake that off and show the others around them that they are up to the task. Koivu has effectively said to all the critics “I hear your criticisms, now watch this!”
There’s a lot more hockey to be played this year and lot of things will happen. I do know that no matter what happens Mikko Koivu will be the Captain of the Wild and he will do his best to see this team be successful. So for now I am happy to see the great play from Koivu, and I am even happier to say “All Hail Captain Koivu!”