After eight seasons, the only coach the organization has ever had, Jacques Lemaire, decided to leave the Minnesota Wild. Lemaire was known for utilizing a defense-first, trapping and, at times, stifling style of play.
After Lemaire left the Wild and the organization also replaced general manager Doug Risebrough with former GM Chuck Fletcher, not only did it lead to a wholesale change to the Wild’s coaching and management staff, it signaled a change in organizational direction from the trapping style to that of the post-lockout, vogue up-tempo style of play.
Well, after watching the Wild defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2, all I can say is: You could’ve fooled me.
The Wild came into Nationwide Arena and played a style of game that would have made Jacques Lemaire flat out giddy. They essentially set the tempo for the style of game that it was going to be. While being out-shot by the Blue Jackets 37-24, the Wild were very adept at blocking shots, blocking shooting lanes, chipping pucks into the neutral zone and getting pucks deep into the Columbus defensive zone.
The Wild also took advantage of their power ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Ed Cmar
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild Game Recap
November 6th, 2010 by Ed Cmar Leave a reply »
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