The Minnesota Wild’s recent loss to St. Louis follows a 13-7-4 record over the last 24 games since the All-Star break. With 11 games left and a record 6 games over .500, the team’s inconsistent play can be maddening. Despite my surprise at their above .500 record, it seems like No. 97 is trying to carry the Wild to the playoffs on his own this year. I’ll try to rant without naming names, but no promises.

My poor wife often has to sit with me, listening to my frustrations as the Wild repeat the same mistakes. It reminds me of the guy who invented the foam brick in 1978. I wish I had one, but living with three dogs, it wouldn’t last long since they love destroying objects.

A major issue is the Wild’s play along the boards. Their opponents consistently out-hustle, out-muscle, and outplay them. Any NHL coach can just tell his team to pressure the Wild’s defense, resulting in turnovers and shots on goal. This inconsistency is frustrating.

Faceoffs are another problem. The Wild have a 47.6% faceoff winning percentage, which fluctuates across different zones but is consistently below 48.2%. This inconsistency is another source of frustration.

Goaltending has been erratic this season, but it’s not just a goalie issue. Hockey is the greatest team sport, and injuries to the defensive corps have led to inconsistent outcomes, especially against more talented teams. The less experienced defensemen are gaining good experience, but it contributes to inconsistency.

Coaching is another area of concern. What system are the Wild using? Dump and chase? Possession? The lack of a clear system adds to the inconsistency. The team needs to know how they are supposed to play, a standard that should be set in the AHL to prepare players for the NHL. What system are they using in St. Paul?

There is hope, though. A good team can solve the issues mentioned. Clear expectations from coaches could help. I’d love to see Marc-Andre Fleury stay for another year and mentor Jesper Wallstedt, or even return as a goalie coach. This mentorship could bring consistency.

Transition is tough, and bringing in new, inexperienced players leads to inconsistencies. While I appreciate passionate players, the constant change and placeholders in the lineup need addressing. Younger players have leadership potential that should be nurtured, not stifled.

There are solutions. Pressuring the Wild defense often leads to turnovers. A coach not fully behind the current system might be part of the issue. Allowing Dean Evason to implement his own system could help. The system should adapt to the players; a heavy, dump-and-chase game won’t work with lighter players, but different lines can have different identities.

Players also need to bulk up to compete in our division. Increasing their weight to at least 200 pounds could solve many issues. Additionally, the team needs to control the middle of the ice rather than playing around the perimeter. This shift could make a significant difference.

Watching the Nashville Predators, I noticed their cohesive team play, which we lack. They play like a full unit, shift in and shift out. A full training camp could help, but more effort is needed to achieve this level of teamwork. Dean Evason has the summer to figure it out.