Minnesota Wild: Age is no issue for Mikko Koivu as he continues hot form

A three-point night for Minnesota Wild captain, Mikko Koivu against the Vancouver Canucks marked eight points in his most recent five appearances, as the Wild took a convincing 6-2 result.

Whether it’s a late career renaissance or just a short-term hot streak for Mikko Koivu, the Minnesota Wild will be more than happy to take it; their captain is leading by example offensively.

Perhaps most telling is that he Koivu has seen a revival of form since the birth of his third child; maybe he was carrying a lot more tension prior to that life event and as a result, is now playing far more relaxed. We even questioned whether he was really a top-six guy anymore.

I pushed the idea that Mikko Koivu should be gifted a little time off by the Minnesota Wild at the time; that didn’t really occur but it’s not proving to be too much of a concern based on his on-ice performances.

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Koivu’s goal on the night against the Canucks was the result of a poor play by the Vancouver goaltender, Richard Bachman whiffing on a play behind the net on a Wild power-play and practically gift-wrapping the goal. They all count the same, it’s just Bachman will feel like this was one he’d like to take back.

Mikko Koivu and the Minnesota Wild, of course, weren’t complaining. In fact, their power-play was right on-form, after a feeble showing versus the Capitals.

Koivu is now in his mid-thirties and only has one more year to run on his contract after this season. With kids at home, he’s surely at least pondering the thought of retirement.

If, however, his hot form continues, the Minnesota Wild will be very quick to shut down that notion. Should he manage another 45 point campaign; which right now, he’s on pace for closer to 80 points, then surely they’ll be looking to find a cheap way to have him continue with the team even in a year’s time.

Hopefully he continues to show that there’s plenty of gas left in the tank and that if he can continue to play smart, winning plenty of face-offs (he’s at a 55% winning percentage this year so far) and generally keeping himself out of trouble, then there’s no doubt he can carry on his job.

The Minnesota Wild were very lucky to name Mikko Koivu as their first full-time captain and will sorely miss him when age eventually does catch up. For now, we should revel in the fact that he’s on-form and looking far younger than his years. Funny what point scoring does for you!