Minnesota Wild News

He's holding out hope to return this season. But that possibility, like the Wild's playoff chances in the West, is growing more faint.

Wild prospect and Houston Aeros defenseman Tyler Cuma submitted one of the wittier Twitter comments of the hockey season recently when he referred to the Wild as "the Minnesota Aeros." The Wild's growing pains become evident when they shuffle numerous minor leaguers in and out of their lineup, but it's considered a good thing for the organization.

The Dispatch welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Typed letters of 200 words or fewer are preferred; all might be edited.

The Dispatch welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Typed letters of 200 words or fewer are preferred; all might be edited.

It's interesting to see how performances from game to game are judged, whether it's a win or a loss.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Grant Clitsome celebrates after his teammate R.J. Johansen scored on Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom , of Finland, during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Feb.

Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom block the shot from Blue Jackets Rick Nash during the first period at the Xcel Energy Center in St.

For over-the-top theatrics at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, no one can beat the ioSafe maker of punishment-resistant computer hard drives.

Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog of Sweden shoots the puck between the post and the skate of Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom of Finland to score as Wild defenseman Mike Lundin tries to defend during the second period of an NHL hockey game in St.

Here it is, the final meeting between these two clubs. Perhaps it is Todd Richards' last chance for some payback against his former club.

Minnesota's Staubitz Clears Waivers : Brad Staubitz cleared waivers Saturday, Minneapolis Star Tribune writer Michael Russo reports.

There's a Woodbury Hockey Association team that usually plays in front of a crowd of no more than 50.

'It's all right there for whoever wants to take it,' said Flames head coach Brent Sutter, whose team returned home Friday after falling to the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 in overtime the night before.

In a team meeting held in lieu of practice, players echoed Mike Yeo's theme as he tried to restoke the Wild's flagging confidence.

Todd Richards admitted how much it meant to beat his former team earlier this week.

But it was no joke when, a few hours later, he shot and the puck slithered past Columbus goaltender Curtis Sanford.

If Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo is looking to teach his team something about effort, he could use Henrik Sedin as an example.

Chuck Fletcher's the type of guy to give a player a new lease on life if he's unable to get in the lineup, but it might be tough for the Wild general manager to trade rarely used Mike Lundin before the Feb.

Wild's Backstrom to Start Thursday : Niklas Backstrom will start Thursday against Vancouver, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild controls the puck at the United Center on January 12, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois.