Wild taking on powerhouse status

Jim Olander -- Guest Column

Times are changing for the Minnesota Wild.

The now three-year-old franchise is no longer a pushover in the National Hockey League, but rather a force to be reckoned with. The Wild are off to their best start in their brief history with a record of 7-1-2 and 16 points, which is best in the NHL.

The Wild are showing the rest of the league that they can play with even the best of teams when they defeated the Western Conference powerhouse Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in overtime Wednesday. The Wild have already posted wins against other quality opponents like Calgary, Boston and Dallas.

This fast start has Wild fans thinking playoffs. Unfortunately, the Wild still have 72 games to play, but their fast start could make them a legitimate playoff contender this season. One thing is sure; the Wild will still make it out of the first-round of the playoffs before the big $126 million dollar man and the Timberwolves do!

People are beginning to think that this Wild team can make a run for the playoffs because nobody is playing better hockey in the NHL.

So why are the Wild playing so well this year? One of the reasons is because the Wild organization has kept their word on building the team with young talented players rather then seasoned veterans. The Wild have stacked their team with young talent like Marian Gaborik, Nick Schultz, Pascal Dupis and Stephane Veilleux who are all in their early 20s and now even have 18-year-old Pierre-Marc Bouchard playing on a regular basis.

Marian Gaborik has gotten off to a great start this season, showing promise to become one of the premier players in the league. Gaborik currently leads the Wild in points (14) and assists (9). He had an amazing game against the Phoenix Coyotes in which he tallied two goals and four assists. Those numbers were enough to gain him NHL Player of the Week honors.

Another reason for the team's success has been the play of goaltender Manny Fernandez. Fernandez, who picked up his first career win against Colorado Wednesday, had some personal issues going on last year. He seems very focused this season and is off to a perfect 6-0 start this season with a GAA around 1.40.

With a healthy Manny and the addition of veteran forward Cliff Ronning, who already has nine points on the season, things are looking up for the Wild.

With all the Wild's success, we can't forget about the man most responsible for it, head coach Jacques Lemaire. I am convinced Jacques Lemaire is one of, if not the best coach in the NHL. The man knows his hockey. He won 10 Stanley Cups as a player in Montreal and one as coach with New Jersey. He has taken a team of no-names and turned them into playoff contenders.

Lemaire is not used to losing, but has been very patient teaching the Wild how to become a force in the Western Conference. He said before the season started that he thought this Wild team was better than a lot of established franchises. If the first few weeks of play are a sign of what's to come, I think he's right.

Watching the Wild Wednesday night against the Avalanche, I was very impressed. The Wild no longer look like a pee-wee team while controlling the puck. They now look comfortable, calm and fast. The Wild resemble an established franchise who is going to make some noise in the Western Conference.

I believe the best thing about the Wild is they play well because they play as a team. Other than Gaborik, the Wild really don't have any star players. They need everyone to contribute and give 100 percent out on the ice or they won't be successful. Every night somebody different comes up big.

Wednesday it was Lubomir Sekeras scoring the overtime winner, and Sunday it was Antti Laaksonen knocking in the tying goal versus Colorado. The Wild depend on each other, not just one player.

OK, so maybe I am getting to excited about the Wild and thinking about their playoff possibilities, but can you blame me? The Wild are showing that they can play with anyone in the National Hockey League and show no signs of slowing down. Maybe the Wild won't make the playoffs this year, but I guarantee they will be in the hunt and will make the playoffs next season. For now, let's enjoy the ride the Wild are taking us on because there a skilled bunch of kids who are a lot of fun to watch

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