Fore!
That’s the call of the Wild, now that Chicago has wrapped up the Western Conference Quarterfinal playoff series, four games to one.
The morning after, here’s what they’re saying about another season in the books:
Michael Russo, Star Tribune:“Chicago’s deep, talented roster exposed the Wild as a team that seems to lack true finishers. After scoring the fewest goals in the NHL since the 2004-05 lockout last season, the Wild finished tied for 22nd this year. Thursday, the Wild proved yet again just how hard it has to work to score goals and just how it easy it often comes to others.”
Tom Powers, Pioneer Press: “The Wild’s finale against the Blackhawks went according to script. They started quickly, got some good scoring chances, failed to capitalize on any of them and then began the slow death march to defeat. In some ways it’s too bad because the Hawks appeared vulnerable.”
Chad Graff, Pioneer Press:“The Wild were simply overmatched. Even when it seemed they were playing better than the Blackhawks, they still were losing. On Thursday the Wild thoroughly outplayed Chicago in the first period yet went into the first intermission trailing 1-0.”
Ryan Dadoun, NBCSports.com: “Is this campaign a big setback after inking Ryan Suter and Zach Parise to massive contracts over the summer, should this season be regarded as a big disappointment for the Minnesota Wild? Or should it be dismissed as a transitional year towards something greater?”
Andrew Seligman, Associated Press: “The way the Blackhawks have dominated, anything less than a trip to the Stanley Cup finals would be a disappointment for them.”
