5 Things We've Learned From the Minnesota Wild's Early-Season Action

By Nick Villano

Things We've Learned From the Minnesota Wild's Early-Season Action

Minnesota Wild Early Season Success
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The Minnesota Wild started the season on a tear, going 6-2-1. Unfortunately for them, the rest of the Central Division is just as good. They need to continue to be one of the best teams in the league, if they want to stay afloat in the Western Conference. Here is what we know after the first few weeks of the season.

5. They Can Be True Contenders

5. They Can Be True Contenders
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5. They Can Be True Contenders

5. They Can Be True Contenders
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This is a loaded argument. Of course, any team can be a contender at this point in the season. There are no injuries. No dissension in the locker room. Tomorrow is just another chance to redeem yourself. The Wild are in a different situation. If things work out, they are a team that can scare the league in the playoffs. That is far away from now, though.

4. Ryan Suter Needs Help

4. Ryan Suter Needs Help
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4. Ryan Suter Needs Help

4. Ryan Suter Needs Help
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Ryan Suter has carried this defense since he got to Minnesota. This season, the team is leaning too much on its star blueliner. Behind Suter is Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin and Mathew Dumba. That is not exactly a murderers' row. The Wild front office would be smart to eventually make a move for another defender.

3. Thomas Vanek Still Has Something To Give This Team

3. Thomas Vanek Still Has Something To Give This Team
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3. Thomas Vanek Still Has Something To Give This Team

3. Thomas Vanek Still Has Something To Give This Team
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Last season, Thomas Vanek was not very good for the Wild. In the first season of a three-year deal, he fell further and further down the lines. This season looks like a different story. He already has four goals and eight assists through nine games. If he can stay consistent, he can turn his entire career around.

2. Questions Still In Goal

2. Questions Still In Goal
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2. Questions Still In Goal

2. Questions Still In Goal
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Devan Dubnyk signed a six-year deal with the Wild in the offseason. He is supposed to stop the woes in net this team has seen for years. It is early in the season, but he has been average. He needs to add 20 percent on his save percentage if he wants to keep the Wild as major contenders.

1. Zach Parise Is Still The Man

1. Zach Parise Is Still The Man
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1. Zach Parise Is Still The Man

1. Zach Parise Is Still The Man
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Zach Parise has been awesome this season. He's lit the lamp seven times in just nine games. His team needs him to score goals, and he has given them what they need. There is no telling where the Wild would be if they hadn't signed Parise three seasons ago. Luckily, that isn't something they have to worry about.

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