Martin Havlat News

Minnesota winger Martin Havlat looks to pass during the Wild's 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Enery Center in St.

There is a long way to go until this year's trade deadline of March 3, 2010. But with the Winter Olympics, general managers around the league are going to have to do their homework earlier than usual to work around the Olympic break from Feb.

Here's some refreshing news from Wednesday night's Wild game: They adhered to the new system splendidly.

Looking only at Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom's stat line from this season, you might get the perception the 31-year-old Finn has struggled early on.

Tonight will see the no-longer last in the Western Conference, Minnesota Wild, travel to our great nation's capital to take on thewait for itWashington Capitals.

Preview: A battle between the worst teams in the East and West, and history can be made.

2. David Steckel, Capitals: Back with the team after a death in the family, the grinder had four shots, created lots of energy and won 15 of 18 faceoffs.

After a putrid start to the 2009-10 NHL season, the Minnesota Wild are starting to show signs of life.

The Minnesota Wild have begun to put a slow start to the season behind them. A visit to Tampa Bay might help them extend their recent winning ways.

When things are going south, positive imagery is often a big help. When Marian Gaborik would slump, he'd watch Gaborik highlights to get his mojo back.

The Maple Leafs hope Martin Havlat stays dormant for at least one more game. The Minnesota Wild sniper, who was tough on the Leafs as a member of the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks and has eight points in 11 career games at the Air Canada Centre, has just one goal in 14 games as the Wild prepare to meet the Leafs tonight.

Preview: The Wild got a much-needed home victory Saturday, edging Dallas to improve to 5-2 at Xcel Energy Center this season.

2. Cal Clutterbuck, Wild: Scored first career shorthanded goal, had six shots, three hits and even played the power-play point on a 4-on-3. 3. Martin Havlat, Wild: No points, but best game of the season.

The problem right now is that the Wild aren't sure who or what they are. They know what they used to be.

The Dallas Stars begin a four-game road trip tonight in Minnesota, where they will battle the Wild at Xcel Energy Center.

Preview: The Wild, 4-1 at home, resumes playing after winning its first road game in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Eric Belanger has moved up in the Wild's scheme of things. The lithe center with jet-propelled skates has shed a recurring role as defensive specialist under Jacques Lemaire to become a prime scoring threat under Todd Richards.

Justin Bourne mentioned the other day in his blog that there is nothing worse than a player playing well after he has been benched.

In Wednesday's loss to the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild head coach Todd Richards sat Czech sniper Petr Sykora in favor of fan favorite enforcer Derek Boogaard.

A national TV audience got a chance Monday night to see a pretty good Hockey team.