On a short list of questions about the Minnesota Wild’s playoff prospects is whether this team has the physical toughness to last beyond the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Last year the Wild took an early exit against a more physical Anaheim team. Now, however, there’s opinion inside and outside the Wild organization that Minnesota can play more physical hockey.
The late season acquisition of forward Chris Simon was controversial because of Simon’s history of on-ice aggressiveness. A lot of fans and media caused a critical uproar over the Simon acquisition but he will be judged more positively if the Wild advance deep in the playoffs and he avoids incidents that are worthy of YouTube.
The Wild’s leading scorer, Marian Gaborik, told Sports Headliners on Saturday that Minnesota is “definitely tougher” than last year. In the same breath he mentioned Simon along with other team enforcers, Derek Boogaard, and Todd Fedoruk. “These guys are there to protect us,” Gaborik said. “They’re doing a good job and they’re playing well. And that’s what we need.”
The energy and intensity with which teams compete in the playoffs results in a more conservative, defensive, physical style. “It’s a totally different level of hockey,” Gaborik said. “It’s a big challenge. Big competition. You have to just go out there and work your butt off, and be ready mentally and physically.”
Gaborik, whose famous groin problems in the past have limited his playing time, has played in 75 games this season. He has set a new single season career record with 80 points.
Gaborik said his physical status is “all good” now. He also said off-season exercises, along with properly warming up before playing, and massage on his legs, have all been successful parts of his prevention program.
The Wild finish the regular season with games on April 3 and 6, then await the playoffs. They are fourth in the Western Conference standings and first in the Northwest Division.