February 6, 2026 • 21 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
It's Wild Weekly on the Fan.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Now here to talk about the Minnesota Wild and the NHL.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
From the Wild, Kevin Fallness and from the fan, Brandon Maleski.
Good evening, Welcome to Kfan Wild Weekly. I am Brandon Laski.
Kevin Fallness with me as well.
Speaker 4 (00:22):
Good evening, Kevin, good evening, my friend.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
All the Minnesota While do is win. They've won five
in a row, they're eight one and one in their
last ten, and they're they're entering the Olympic break on
a hot streak.
Speaker 4 (00:33):
They are.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
I thought last night was going to be a route,
especially when Matt Boldy puts up a hat trick in
the first yeah, thirteen minutes. But you give Andrew Burnett
and his Nashville Predators credit, man, they did not go away.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
They were pesky the entire night.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
UC Sorrows was phenomenal in that third period, just shutting
down the Wild at every angle. I think made eighteen
saves on nineteen shots. But the Wild got it done
in overtime once again, and they've gone to overtime now
twenty three times this season. They've got nine overtime game winners,
first time this year for Jared Spursion six times, sixth
(01:08):
time in his NHL career. Just a fun hockey game,
start to finish.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Yeah, you and I could probably go back and forth
on like wild Killers over the years, right, Like Jerome
Aginla always played well against the Dean Brothers Roman Yosi
And I know he made the mistake he copped up
the puck last night that led to the Trendion goal.
But he seems like he's always involved offensively as a
defenseman against the Minnesotana.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
This just consistently.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
It seems like he scores or produces offense every game
against us.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
He is so good, and he's another guy that kind
of like a Quinn Hughes. You get a full appreciation
for him when he's on your team, but I think
we get an appreciation for him in a not so
great manner when he's against us. Every time we play
him so much every year within those Central Division collisions.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
He's just a phenomenal athlete.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
And he's going to be very well represented over there
in Milan representing Team Switzerland and he'll be a focal
point of that squad. But man, he is so much
fun to watch. He sticks it to the wild It
feels like every time that's part of the reason why
they have so much trouble winning at Bridgetone Arena. They
got both points last night, but even including that, they
lost twelve of their last fifteen trips to nash Vegas.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
It's always tough, and he's a big part of.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
It usually, you know, given the start we had right
where the first month the season did not go well,
we were climbing up a mountain basically the entire season.
It is bizarre to see the Wild slowly kind of
creeping up closer and closer to the Colorado Avalanche. I
know they abset three games at hand and they have
a five point cushion, but the wilder slowly making that
(02:38):
cushion get a little bit slimmer. And I know Dallas
is right on the heels as well. But it's not
out of the realm of possibility that the Wild could
have the best record in the National Hockey League this year.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
Yeah, looking at it optically, it does look very nice
when you look at the standings and you see just
a little bit of separation there between the Avalanche and
what it was such a chasm at one point, even
you know, just a few weeks ago. But the Wild
have been playing so well. The Avalanche have been sputtering
a little bit. And I say that with an asterisk.
I mean there's still the number one team in hockey
and it's not even close. Nathan McKinnon is a stud macar.
(03:10):
I mean, they've got so much firepower in that lineup
and when their goaltenders are on, that's a real formidable bunch.
And I think they will be coming out of the
Olympic break as well. But uh, you know, the while
they're making a run at it and they're playing, they're
getting results more than anything. Five straight wins and six
oh and one of their last seven overall, they're they're
piling up the points and it's it's gonna make this
(03:32):
final race interesting.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Yeah, I know, it's very challenging if you're in that
two three spot in the Central Division. So if there's
a way you can you push Colorado a little bit
there and sneak up up there, that would be amazing. Obviously. Uh,
it's February fifth. We have a long way to go,
and I think nobody is thinking the same way I am.
But I'm just saying, you know, we're just five points
behind and we've got Colorado coming out of the out
of the Olympic breaks, so maybe we could take two
(03:55):
from them there.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
He's Kevin Falling us on Brandon Malaski. Ryan Carter television
analysts four Your Minnesota Wild on FanDuel Sports Network. Also
a former Minnesota Wild player. He joins us next on
KFAN Wild the weekly.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
Honor a minute left in the extra session.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Hario caprisa fourteen career overtime winners, as I mentioned earlier,
four of.
Speaker 4 (04:21):
Them this year. They'll try it up Ice passes Boldi
starting in Boldy Cross Spurgeon a shot piece God Jared
Spurgeon win did it over time, ninth overtime win of
the year for the while.
Speaker 5 (04:36):
Five straight in the win column as they hit the.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Olympic break as the captain beat Soros hit six' five
to victory tonight For Minnesota. Wild win again last night
In nashville and once again in. Overtime this is A
Kfn Wild weekly On Brandon. Maleski kevin fallnes with me
from The Wild Radio, network now joined on the television
side by Analyst Ryan carter and Former Minnesota wild. Player, Hi,
ryan how are you doing?
Speaker 4 (04:58):
Tonight, Yeah i'm doing.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Well thanks nice little sendoff from The wild to The
Olympic break In nashville In, Boyd. Nashville what a. City
if you're a fan and you want to catch a road,
game go To, nashville hit Up. Broadway then it's a
walk across the. Street and it seems like Whenever minnesota
Plays nashville In, nashville it turns out.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
To be a good.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Game so, yeah good, day good. Game ready for the.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Break did you ever imagine when you woke up On
november first in The wild there were three six and
three after that first month Of, october that they'd be
sitting here right now as we had an into The
Olympic break with the second most points in The National Hockey.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
League to be quite, honest, no you know, WHAT i
had higher expectations than their. Start probably LET i thought
that they were better than their. Start but at the same,
TIME i remember having feelings like it might be a long,
year might be a tough, year and they were struggling to.
(06:03):
Score goaltending was probably it wasn't. Great out of the
Gates ballsteed Was gus. Wasn't but then even shortly thereafter,
that when you, know the goaltenders kind of went on a.
Tear the offense still wasn't firing on all, cylinders and it's, like,
gosh you look at historically what a playoff team looks.
(06:24):
Like it has a positive goal. Differential you, know they
can score. Goals and while they're looking like a team
that was going to maybe be like A calgary from
last year maybe, eighth, seventh eighth in the, playoffs but
do it on solid defense and good. Goaltending but they
decided to say hold, on flip the, script and from
that point on it it's been entirely. Different BUT i
(06:47):
think we also have to give some credit To Bill
garan in the group because we're where the team at
times has maybe started to look like they're going to
fade a little. Bit garan and the coaching staff has
kind of given, them you, know a little a little,
boost a punch in the, arm and it's woken them
up and they've been able to just like go on
these heaters and turn single losses into four or five
(07:10):
game winning. Streak so it's Been impressive've never thought that
we'd be where we are right.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Now let me first say good, morning good, afternoon and good.
Speaker 4 (07:18):
Evening. RYAN i want to.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Echo what you said About nashville because that is one
of my favorite. Destinations i've only called games FROM i
don't know ten to FIFTEEN nhl.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
Rinks that's number one with a bullet for.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Me the.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
Atmosphere i'm a country music. Guy they Had Luke.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Bryan doing The Star spangled banner last.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
NIGHT i don't know how you beat. That the atmosphere
in Their Winner, lose it's.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Fantastic from The Predators, faithful it's a fun.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Destination, yeah it's so, easy like they get. Start it's
crazy too because the. Group brian's in there and he's
singing the national anthem and he just feels like a normal.
Dude and That's. Nashville like you might be walking down
the street and you'll bump Into Luke bryan or you
know some of these other like all time, singers country,
singers and it's, like no big. Deal they're very. Approachable
(08:05):
and then the fan, base you're, right like they've turned
into a hockey crazy. Market and, yeah it was an exciting.
Game eleven goals were scored with multiple lead changes last.
Night but everybody's on the edge of their. Seats it
is a great spot to catch a.
Speaker 4 (08:19):
GAME i think a.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Lot of people have said, This, ryan AND i THINK
i would join that crew. THAT i think we all
Thought Quinn hughes is a good, player but until you
see him game, in game, out every single, night it's
just mind blowing how good he.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
Is how has he changed the?
Speaker 3 (08:33):
TEAM a team that was playing well before they got,
him but how has the team changed since he's come,
along because even just stylistically they look.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Different you, KNOW i was at these. Venues there's like
a media room where in between periods the broadcasters will
mingle with some, scouts and last NIGHT i was talking
to a scout friend of, mine guy That i'd played,
With sheldon Brook, bank and he's, like, Man Quinn hughes
is good out. THERE i was, like you know, What
(09:00):
like we've watched him for, years he's been in The
West vancouver and, yeah like when we when we've called those,
games he's. Good but having eyes on him consistently now
it's like he's he is better than, good and the
things he does are. AMAZING i don't know that we've
we've seen all that he has to, give so that's exciting.
(09:21):
Too but how has he changed the? TEAM i think
to some, Degree, yeah he gets everybody the puck more
in open. Ice the team just is thinking offense. More
we've on the broadcast been highlighting some of the stretch
passes he, makes AND i think forwards are starting to figure, Out,
hey when when When hughes and even brock favor now
(09:44):
and our d get the, puck we can, transition we
can get up the ice fast and some of the fancy.
Stats even before last night's game The, wild they're up
over a goal of the game Since Quinn hughes and
AND i look at everybody else, Too like you hear
guys talk about you get A Ryan reeves on your,
roster and everybody stands an inch. Taller everybody feels they
(10:07):
can finish their, checks they can stand that front and
give somebody a face wash because they know they've got
The ace Of spades on their bench And Ryan. REEVES
i think the same is happening With Quinn. Hughes on
a skill, level the players now have, skills but they've
been playing within a system and they've been playing structured.
(10:27):
Hockey it's kind of been the calling card of The
wild probably for most of you know their existence in THE.
Nhl but now it's, like, hey we have real, talent
AND i think they feel. THAT i think they believe
that they're scoring almost at. Will they can score their
way out of any game script they're. In SO i
think he's, changed like the, moxie the, confidence and amongst
(10:50):
other things with the team.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
To another two points last, night a franchise record ten
game of sis story can now thirty four points in
twenty six games with The.
Speaker 4 (10:58):
Wild he's been so much fun to.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Watch another guy fun to watch on the front, End
I'm Matt. BOLDIE i mean this might sound preposterous to,
some but when you talk about THE us team in
The Winter, olympics he might be the guy there for
The american. Squad the way he's playing right now and
going in riding a hat. Trick he's got thirty two
goals on the. Season what's changed For Matt. Boldie he's
(11:22):
always been a good, player but now he's just consistently lights.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
Out.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Yeah, so got a couple of thoughts that the preposteros
statement Was Bill. GARAN i think he was on spit
and sick of his, podcast and he said at that,
time Before boldie was even a point per game, GUY
i mean he had maybe gotten to seventy points And
Bill garon, goes he's a fifty to fifty. Guy he's
going to get fifty, goals fifty. Assists he's that kind of.
Player and at that time it was, like, wow THAT
(11:49):
i don't know about. That like he's a great, player
don't get me, wrong but fifty, goals fiftiest his here he.
Is a couple of years, later thirty two at the
at The, olympic break to your point about him maybe
being the go to guy On TEAM. Usa he has
more goals than any other player On TEAM usa going
into The olympics right. Now and then you look at
(12:12):
his last twelve. Months he went to The World. CHAMPIONSHIPS
i think he led that tournament in. Points and go
back to the Four. Nations he started that tournament like
on their fourth, line playing twelve minutes a, game and
then in the gold medal, game no forward played more
minutes Than Matt boldie. Did SO i think the coaching
staff there started to figure out what he's good at now.
Too but Where boldie's gotten good is he's taken the
(12:36):
page out of eric'son xbook where he can score inside
the goalie stop. Bubble he's still is skilled with the.
Hands he still can win plays and make plays from the,
perimeter but he's used in the, body maybe the best
we have in puck. Protection obviously he's playing with, confidence
but he's just a direct attacking forward right, now and
(12:58):
he's got all these skills sense to be able to
cut through the opposition's defense and get himself scoring. Chances
so it's fun to watch him grow and he's been
he's been lights.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
Out we're talking With Ryan, carter former On Minnesota whild,
player now analyst for a fan duel sports network on
The Minnesota. Wild, ryan you get to wear THOSE usa
colors a couple of times in your career in twenty
ten and twenty thirteen in The World, championships not in The,
olympics but still getting to weare of THE usa. Colors
what is that feeling like to wear THE usa? Colors
and if you can go back to being a, player
(13:28):
AND i, know you know THE nhl players weren't always
in The, Olympics but how would you compare you, know
the fantasy of playing An olympics compared to playing for
A Stanley.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
Cup, Yeah, gosa you, KNOW i asked the same question
to people that jump on my, podcast and it's THE
i think A Stanley cup is a little bit more
rewarding because it's it's harder to, win it takes, longer
it's more of a. Grind The olympics is a short.
Tournament but then on the flip side of that, coin
(14:00):
it's only twenty, three twenty Five americans that get to
represent their country at The, olympics so the talent pool
is shrunk and you don't have that opportunity like. ME
i had an opportunity to play for a couple Of
Stanley cups and playing the finals, twice and you, know
AND i was just a very pedestrian. Player you, KNOW
i didn't get an opportunity to play in The. Olympics
(14:20):
SO i don't know THAT i can fully speak what
it'd be like to play in The. Olympics but when
you are playing for a TEAM usa and you step
on international, soil you go To milan and you feel
the pride of wearing, red white and blue and what you're,
representing it is. Different and even in Those World, CHAMPIONSHIPS
i think that we took a bronze medal that's hanging
(14:42):
on the wall, downstairs a super proud moment framed the
jersey felt good about. It it's just cool walking into
the locker room two and the kind of how you
honor your, country and it's about more than just you
or even the group in the room right. There but
it's an interesting, question AND i think actually when it
(15:02):
comes To americans more often than, THAT i think if
they have a long career in THE, nhl they, say
IF i had to, CHOOSE i choose win A Stanley
cup over a gold. Medal but it's a close. SECOND i.
THINK i Think europeans are a little different on. THAT
i think gold medal means more to them than The Stanley.
Cup but as A North, american, yeah that would be
(15:23):
my stance on.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
That that's what we're going to be watching for the
next three weeks as we wait for THE nhl to.
Resume how do you like The americans? Chances people ask
me all the, time what do you think about the
wild in the? Playoffs, well the problem is they got
to do With, colorado they got to deal With, dallas
and then whoever's there in The Eastern conference as. Well
it's the same thing in The. Olympics how DO i
like The americans? Chances, well they got to deal With, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland.
(15:47):
FINLAND i, mean there's a lot more than just The
americans And canadians these. Days how do you like their
chances in A?
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Milan, yeah that's another thing with The. Olympics it's once
you get to the metal, round it's single, elimination so
anything can. Happen you could run into a good goaltender
and you're kind of cooked so or goaltender could get
hot and you go on an absolute. Run so it's
a little different in that. Way BUT i think that
(16:12):
makes it a little bit more exciting, too because that
gives legitimacy to some of the teams that may be
on paper aren't as strong As canada OR, us but
still have high quality. Players you, Know, Sweden finn And
CHECKY i think are in that. Camp but WHAT i
think the tournament comes down, to and if it, does
let's just, SAY i, well, PERSONALLY i want it to
(16:34):
come down To Canada, sweden not kind of, RIGHT Us,
sweden BECAUSE i want to see Brock, Favor Matt, Boldie
Quinn hughes have to go Against ericson X johnson and the.
Goaltenders like for, me that would be great i'd be MUSSY,
tv BUT i think most of us are thinking if
it comes down To CANADA, US i think it's AND
(16:57):
i look At Matt, boldie who went from at the
start of The formation tournament playing twelve minutes to playing
the most minutes in the gold medal. GAME i Think
canada Has Sidney, crosby and they have some of these
guys that are legacy players and they're still on the
roster and they're still. Productive don't get me, wrong BUT
i think that there's a new wave and hockey's become
(17:19):
a younger man's. Sport and Will canada be willing to
give A Maclin celebriny prime time minutes in metal games
or will it continue to go To Sidney crosby Or
Brad marshan or some of the more comfortable. Guys you
look at the back, end you, know is it going
to Be Drew doughty in those? Spots are they going
to give it to somebody? DIFFERENT i think the tournament
(17:40):
comes down to. That you, know if the team that
can trust anybody on their roster that's going at any
given night to, play and whether That's Matt, Boldy quinn Hughes,
brock favor on The american, side or you Know Sidney,
Crosey macklin celebrity or some of the young guys on
The canadian. SIDE i think it comes down to, that
like having a, maze you make a hard decision or
(18:01):
two on maybe sacrificing probably the pride of some players
for what's best for the team and what gives that
team the best chance to.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
Win all, Right one final question for, You, ryan once
The olympics are over and then THE nhl trade deadline
will be. Approaching if you are A WILD Gm Bill,
garin what is your approach to the deadline and what
type of names out there intrigue?
Speaker 4 (18:23):
You good.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
QUESTION i THINK i like a sand paper. Guy BUT
i think that the wild bottom, six if you look
at The nashville game last thank the All russian line Of,
Tarasenko trennion And You're, off they looked, great you, know
and then at Times term came out on the ice
too and won The diesel draws that he needed. To
SO i do think that The depths guys are pretty
(18:49):
good and they're. Solid there's obviously the blue line is
great and if they can keep both, goaltenders you, know,
HEALTHY i think they're good in that, spot BUT i
like like a no Them. Cadre you, know a guy
that has a little sandpaper to him and at the
same time can. Finish we hear a lot about that
(19:10):
the wild need number one centerment or a number two,
centerment and maybe it'd be good just to have options
and depth in that. SPOT i Think cadre kind of
fits that. Mold but going into the trade, deadline it
doesn't look like there's going to be a lot of.
Sellers like there's a lot of teams still right in,
it and they may be not willing to move some
of their. Guys BUT i look At, toronto, like Is
(19:33):
toronto maybe going to make a big? Move Is Matthews
tavera is one of those guys available that obviously would be,
Exciting BUT i think those.
Speaker 5 (19:42):
Are the names like and we heard some rumors From
scott A bot about O'Reilly And, Nashville like he'd be,
good But nashville three points, out maybe two points out
of the playoffs right, Now, like are they going to
move a guy like?
Speaker 1 (19:55):
That not, sure BUT i think it's going to be a.
Centerment i'd love to see one with some say on
paper Like. Cadrey you, know a little bit of jam
to his, game a little bit of hate because that
STUFF i. THINK i think he has great value in the.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Playoffs what are you gonna do for the next three.
Weeks you can't play with your. Bumblebees you're gonna get
to get out of town at. All go somewhere.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Warm, yeah play the bubble. Bees you know what's, Funny
this is super. NERDY i got to make some. Fonded,
yeah that's. Right i've got to make some sugar fonded
to be able to see the. BEES i got to
get out there when it's like thirty. Degrees SO i
will tend to the bees a little. Bit but, no
you know, what you know what my life is like right, Now,
kevin Is i'm either at the. Rink i'm at the,
(20:34):
rink Or i'm working on the. Rink so If i'm
not at the rink, Working i'm there with the. Kids
and If i'm not in one of those, Rinks i'm
trying to get the outdoor ice here at my place
in tip top, shape Which i've done a terrible job
at this.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
Year it's been, right it's been a rough winter at.
Times Thanks, ryan appreciate.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
It, YEAH i appreciate.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
It, Guys, yeah have.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Fun thanks for having.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Me Ryan carter From Fan Duel Sports Network Wild. Analysts
you get three weeks, off so three weeks, off so do, You.
Kevin you'll be back On february twenty sixth as The
wild will be In.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
Colorado yep and eight.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
O'clock start talking about throwing right into the fire at
back to back road games coming off The olympic break In,
colorado In, utah a couple of late road. Games but
you know, what this team went in on such a.
Role can't wait to see what they look like coming
out of. It and hopefully some guys have some new
jewelry to show off around the locker.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Room we'll Take Wild weekly off for the next couple
weeks as. Well we'll be back On february twenty fifth
On Wednesday. Night we'll talk to you then on Kfan
Weld weekly
It's Wild Weekly on the Fan.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Now here to talk about the Minnesota Wild and the NHL.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
From the Wild, Kevin Fallness and from the fan, Brandon Maleski.
Good evening, Welcome to Kfan Wild Weekly. I am Brandon Laski.
Kevin Fallness with me as well.
Speaker 4 (00:22):
Good evening, Kevin, good evening, my friend.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
All the Minnesota While do is win. They've won five
in a row, they're eight one and one in their
last ten, and they're they're entering the Olympic break on
a hot streak.
Speaker 4 (00:33):
They are.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
I thought last night was going to be a route,
especially when Matt Boldy puts up a hat trick in
the first yeah, thirteen minutes. But you give Andrew Burnett
and his Nashville Predators credit, man, they did not go away.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
They were pesky the entire night.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
UC Sorrows was phenomenal in that third period, just shutting
down the Wild at every angle. I think made eighteen
saves on nineteen shots. But the Wild got it done
in overtime once again, and they've gone to overtime now
twenty three times this season. They've got nine overtime game winners,
first time this year for Jared Spursion six times, sixth
(01:08):
time in his NHL career. Just a fun hockey game,
start to finish.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Yeah, you and I could probably go back and forth
on like wild Killers over the years, right, Like Jerome
Aginla always played well against the Dean Brothers Roman Yosi
And I know he made the mistake he copped up
the puck last night that led to the Trendion goal.
But he seems like he's always involved offensively as a
defenseman against the Minnesotana.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
This just consistently.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
It seems like he scores or produces offense every game
against us.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
He is so good, and he's another guy that kind
of like a Quinn Hughes. You get a full appreciation
for him when he's on your team, but I think
we get an appreciation for him in a not so
great manner when he's against us. Every time we play
him so much every year within those Central Division collisions.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
He's just a phenomenal athlete.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
And he's going to be very well represented over there
in Milan representing Team Switzerland and he'll be a focal
point of that squad. But man, he is so much
fun to watch. He sticks it to the wild It
feels like every time that's part of the reason why
they have so much trouble winning at Bridgetone Arena. They
got both points last night, but even including that, they
lost twelve of their last fifteen trips to nash Vegas.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
It's always tough, and he's a big part of.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
It usually, you know, given the start we had right
where the first month the season did not go well,
we were climbing up a mountain basically the entire season.
It is bizarre to see the Wild slowly kind of
creeping up closer and closer to the Colorado Avalanche. I
know they abset three games at hand and they have
a five point cushion, but the wilder slowly making that
(02:38):
cushion get a little bit slimmer. And I know Dallas
is right on the heels as well. But it's not
out of the realm of possibility that the Wild could
have the best record in the National Hockey League this year.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
Yeah, looking at it optically, it does look very nice
when you look at the standings and you see just
a little bit of separation there between the Avalanche and
what it was such a chasm at one point, even
you know, just a few weeks ago. But the Wild
have been playing so well. The Avalanche have been sputtering
a little bit. And I say that with an asterisk.
I mean there's still the number one team in hockey
and it's not even close. Nathan McKinnon is a stud macar.
(03:10):
I mean, they've got so much firepower in that lineup
and when their goaltenders are on, that's a real formidable bunch.
And I think they will be coming out of the
Olympic break as well. But uh, you know, the while
they're making a run at it and they're playing, they're
getting results more than anything. Five straight wins and six
oh and one of their last seven overall, they're they're
piling up the points and it's it's gonna make this
(03:32):
final race interesting.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Yeah, I know, it's very challenging if you're in that
two three spot in the Central Division. So if there's
a way you can you push Colorado a little bit
there and sneak up up there, that would be amazing. Obviously. Uh,
it's February fifth. We have a long way to go,
and I think nobody is thinking the same way I am.
But I'm just saying, you know, we're just five points
behind and we've got Colorado coming out of the out
of the Olympic breaks, so maybe we could take two
(03:55):
from them there.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
He's Kevin Falling us on Brandon Malaski. Ryan Carter television
analysts four Your Minnesota Wild on FanDuel Sports Network. Also
a former Minnesota Wild player. He joins us next on
KFAN Wild the weekly.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
Honor a minute left in the extra session.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Hario caprisa fourteen career overtime winners, as I mentioned earlier,
four of.
Speaker 4 (04:21):
Them this year. They'll try it up Ice passes Boldi
starting in Boldy Cross Spurgeon a shot piece God Jared
Spurgeon win did it over time, ninth overtime win of
the year for the while.
Speaker 5 (04:36):
Five straight in the win column as they hit the.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Olympic break as the captain beat Soros hit six' five
to victory tonight For Minnesota. Wild win again last night
In nashville and once again in. Overtime this is A
Kfn Wild weekly On Brandon. Maleski kevin fallnes with me
from The Wild Radio, network now joined on the television
side by Analyst Ryan carter and Former Minnesota wild. Player, Hi,
ryan how are you doing?
Speaker 4 (04:58):
Tonight, Yeah i'm doing.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Well thanks nice little sendoff from The wild to The
Olympic break In nashville In, Boyd. Nashville what a. City
if you're a fan and you want to catch a road,
game go To, nashville hit Up. Broadway then it's a
walk across the. Street and it seems like Whenever minnesota
Plays nashville In, nashville it turns out.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
To be a good.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Game so, yeah good, day good. Game ready for the.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Break did you ever imagine when you woke up On
november first in The wild there were three six and
three after that first month Of, october that they'd be
sitting here right now as we had an into The
Olympic break with the second most points in The National Hockey.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
League to be quite, honest, no you know, WHAT i
had higher expectations than their. Start probably LET i thought
that they were better than their. Start but at the same,
TIME i remember having feelings like it might be a long,
year might be a tough, year and they were struggling to.
(06:03):
Score goaltending was probably it wasn't. Great out of the
Gates ballsteed Was gus. Wasn't but then even shortly thereafter,
that when you, know the goaltenders kind of went on a.
Tear the offense still wasn't firing on all, cylinders and it's, like,
gosh you look at historically what a playoff team looks.
(06:24):
Like it has a positive goal. Differential you, know they
can score. Goals and while they're looking like a team
that was going to maybe be like A calgary from
last year maybe, eighth, seventh eighth in the, playoffs but
do it on solid defense and good. Goaltending but they
decided to say hold, on flip the, script and from
that point on it it's been entirely. Different BUT i
(06:47):
think we also have to give some credit To Bill
garan in the group because we're where the team at
times has maybe started to look like they're going to
fade a little. Bit garan and the coaching staff has
kind of given, them you, know a little a little,
boost a punch in the, arm and it's woken them
up and they've been able to just like go on
these heaters and turn single losses into four or five
(07:10):
game winning. Streak so it's Been impressive've never thought that
we'd be where we are right.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Now let me first say good, morning good, afternoon and good.
Speaker 4 (07:18):
Evening. RYAN i want to.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Echo what you said About nashville because that is one
of my favorite. Destinations i've only called games FROM i
don't know ten to FIFTEEN nhl.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
Rinks that's number one with a bullet for.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Me the.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
Atmosphere i'm a country music. Guy they Had Luke.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Bryan doing The Star spangled banner last.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
NIGHT i don't know how you beat. That the atmosphere
in Their Winner, lose it's.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Fantastic from The Predators, faithful it's a fun.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Destination, yeah it's so, easy like they get. Start it's
crazy too because the. Group brian's in there and he's
singing the national anthem and he just feels like a normal.
Dude and That's. Nashville like you might be walking down
the street and you'll bump Into Luke bryan or you
know some of these other like all time, singers country,
singers and it's, like no big. Deal they're very. Approachable
(08:05):
and then the fan, base you're, right like they've turned
into a hockey crazy. Market and, yeah it was an exciting.
Game eleven goals were scored with multiple lead changes last.
Night but everybody's on the edge of their. Seats it
is a great spot to catch a.
Speaker 4 (08:19):
GAME i think a.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Lot of people have said, This, ryan AND i THINK
i would join that crew. THAT i think we all
Thought Quinn hughes is a good, player but until you
see him game, in game, out every single, night it's
just mind blowing how good he.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
Is how has he changed the?
Speaker 3 (08:33):
TEAM a team that was playing well before they got,
him but how has the team changed since he's come,
along because even just stylistically they look.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Different you, KNOW i was at these. Venues there's like
a media room where in between periods the broadcasters will
mingle with some, scouts and last NIGHT i was talking
to a scout friend of, mine guy That i'd played,
With sheldon Brook, bank and he's, like, Man Quinn hughes
is good out. THERE i was, like you know, What
(09:00):
like we've watched him for, years he's been in The
West vancouver and, yeah like when we when we've called those,
games he's. Good but having eyes on him consistently now
it's like he's he is better than, good and the
things he does are. AMAZING i don't know that we've
we've seen all that he has to, give so that's exciting.
(09:21):
Too but how has he changed the? TEAM i think
to some, Degree, yeah he gets everybody the puck more
in open. Ice the team just is thinking offense. More
we've on the broadcast been highlighting some of the stretch
passes he, makes AND i think forwards are starting to figure, Out,
hey when when When hughes and even brock favor now
(09:44):
and our d get the, puck we can, transition we
can get up the ice fast and some of the fancy.
Stats even before last night's game The, wild they're up
over a goal of the game Since Quinn hughes and
AND i look at everybody else, Too like you hear
guys talk about you get A Ryan reeves on your,
roster and everybody stands an inch. Taller everybody feels they
(10:07):
can finish their, checks they can stand that front and
give somebody a face wash because they know they've got
The ace Of spades on their bench And Ryan. REEVES
i think the same is happening With Quinn. Hughes on
a skill, level the players now have, skills but they've
been playing within a system and they've been playing structured.
(10:27):
Hockey it's kind of been the calling card of The
wild probably for most of you know their existence in THE.
Nhl but now it's, like, hey we have real, talent
AND i think they feel. THAT i think they believe
that they're scoring almost at. Will they can score their
way out of any game script they're. In SO i
think he's, changed like the, moxie the, confidence and amongst
(10:50):
other things with the team.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
To another two points last, night a franchise record ten
game of sis story can now thirty four points in
twenty six games with The.
Speaker 4 (10:58):
Wild he's been so much fun to.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Watch another guy fun to watch on the front, End
I'm Matt. BOLDIE i mean this might sound preposterous to,
some but when you talk about THE us team in
The Winter, olympics he might be the guy there for
The american. Squad the way he's playing right now and
going in riding a hat. Trick he's got thirty two
goals on the. Season what's changed For Matt. Boldie he's
(11:22):
always been a good, player but now he's just consistently lights.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
Out.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Yeah, so got a couple of thoughts that the preposteros
statement Was Bill. GARAN i think he was on spit
and sick of his, podcast and he said at that,
time Before boldie was even a point per game, GUY
i mean he had maybe gotten to seventy points And
Bill garon, goes he's a fifty to fifty. Guy he's
going to get fifty, goals fifty. Assists he's that kind of.
Player and at that time it was, like, wow THAT
(11:49):
i don't know about. That like he's a great, player
don't get me, wrong but fifty, goals fiftiest his here he.
Is a couple of years, later thirty two at the
at The, olympic break to your point about him maybe
being the go to guy On TEAM. Usa he has
more goals than any other player On TEAM usa going
into The olympics right. Now and then you look at
(12:12):
his last twelve. Months he went to The World. CHAMPIONSHIPS
i think he led that tournament in. Points and go
back to the Four. Nations he started that tournament like
on their fourth, line playing twelve minutes a, game and
then in the gold medal, game no forward played more
minutes Than Matt boldie. Did SO i think the coaching
staff there started to figure out what he's good at now.
Too but Where boldie's gotten good is he's taken the
(12:36):
page out of eric'son xbook where he can score inside
the goalie stop. Bubble he's still is skilled with the.
Hands he still can win plays and make plays from the,
perimeter but he's used in the, body maybe the best
we have in puck. Protection obviously he's playing with, confidence
but he's just a direct attacking forward right, now and
(12:58):
he's got all these skills sense to be able to
cut through the opposition's defense and get himself scoring. Chances
so it's fun to watch him grow and he's been
he's been lights.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
Out we're talking With Ryan, carter former On Minnesota whild,
player now analyst for a fan duel sports network on
The Minnesota. Wild, ryan you get to wear THOSE usa
colors a couple of times in your career in twenty
ten and twenty thirteen in The World, championships not in The,
olympics but still getting to weare of THE usa. Colors
what is that feeling like to wear THE usa? Colors
and if you can go back to being a, player
(13:28):
AND i, know you know THE nhl players weren't always
in The, Olympics but how would you compare you, know
the fantasy of playing An olympics compared to playing for
A Stanley.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
Cup, Yeah, gosa you, KNOW i asked the same question
to people that jump on my, podcast and it's THE
i think A Stanley cup is a little bit more
rewarding because it's it's harder to, win it takes, longer
it's more of a. Grind The olympics is a short.
Tournament but then on the flip side of that, coin
(14:00):
it's only twenty, three twenty Five americans that get to
represent their country at The, olympics so the talent pool
is shrunk and you don't have that opportunity like. ME
i had an opportunity to play for a couple Of
Stanley cups and playing the finals, twice and you, know
AND i was just a very pedestrian. Player you, KNOW
i didn't get an opportunity to play in The. Olympics
(14:20):
SO i don't know THAT i can fully speak what
it'd be like to play in The. Olympics but when
you are playing for a TEAM usa and you step
on international, soil you go To milan and you feel
the pride of wearing, red white and blue and what you're,
representing it is. Different and even in Those World, CHAMPIONSHIPS
i think that we took a bronze medal that's hanging
(14:42):
on the wall, downstairs a super proud moment framed the
jersey felt good about. It it's just cool walking into
the locker room two and the kind of how you
honor your, country and it's about more than just you
or even the group in the room right. There but
it's an interesting, question AND i think actually when it
(15:02):
comes To americans more often than, THAT i think if
they have a long career in THE, nhl they, say
IF i had to, CHOOSE i choose win A Stanley
cup over a gold. Medal but it's a close. SECOND i.
THINK i Think europeans are a little different on. THAT
i think gold medal means more to them than The Stanley.
Cup but as A North, american, yeah that would be
(15:23):
my stance on.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
That that's what we're going to be watching for the
next three weeks as we wait for THE nhl to.
Resume how do you like The americans? Chances people ask
me all the, time what do you think about the
wild in the? Playoffs, well the problem is they got
to do With, colorado they got to deal With, dallas
and then whoever's there in The Eastern conference as. Well
it's the same thing in The. Olympics how DO i
like The americans? Chances, well they got to deal With, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland.
(15:47):
FINLAND i, mean there's a lot more than just The
americans And canadians these. Days how do you like their
chances in A?
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Milan, yeah that's another thing with The. Olympics it's once
you get to the metal, round it's single, elimination so
anything can. Happen you could run into a good goaltender
and you're kind of cooked so or goaltender could get
hot and you go on an absolute. Run so it's
a little different in that. Way BUT i think that
(16:12):
makes it a little bit more exciting, too because that
gives legitimacy to some of the teams that may be
on paper aren't as strong As canada OR, us but
still have high quality. Players you, Know, Sweden finn And
CHECKY i think are in that. Camp but WHAT i
think the tournament comes down, to and if it, does
let's just, SAY i, well, PERSONALLY i want it to
(16:34):
come down To Canada, sweden not kind of, RIGHT Us,
sweden BECAUSE i want to see Brock, Favor Matt, Boldie
Quinn hughes have to go Against ericson X johnson and the.
Goaltenders like for, me that would be great i'd be MUSSY,
tv BUT i think most of us are thinking if
it comes down To CANADA, US i think it's AND
(16:57):
i look At Matt, boldie who went from at the
start of The formation tournament playing twelve minutes to playing
the most minutes in the gold medal. GAME i Think
canada Has Sidney, crosby and they have some of these
guys that are legacy players and they're still on the
roster and they're still. Productive don't get me, wrong BUT
i think that there's a new wave and hockey's become
(17:19):
a younger man's. Sport and Will canada be willing to
give A Maclin celebriny prime time minutes in metal games
or will it continue to go To Sidney crosby Or
Brad marshan or some of the more comfortable. Guys you
look at the back, end you, know is it going
to Be Drew doughty in those? Spots are they going
to give it to somebody? DIFFERENT i think the tournament
(17:40):
comes down to. That you, know if the team that
can trust anybody on their roster that's going at any
given night to, play and whether That's Matt, Boldy quinn Hughes,
brock favor on The american, side or you Know Sidney,
Crosey macklin celebrity or some of the young guys on
The canadian. SIDE i think it comes down to, that
like having a, maze you make a hard decision or
(18:01):
two on maybe sacrificing probably the pride of some players
for what's best for the team and what gives that
team the best chance to.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
Win all, Right one final question for, You, ryan once
The olympics are over and then THE nhl trade deadline
will be. Approaching if you are A WILD Gm Bill,
garin what is your approach to the deadline and what
type of names out there intrigue?
Speaker 4 (18:23):
You good.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
QUESTION i THINK i like a sand paper. Guy BUT
i think that the wild bottom, six if you look
at The nashville game last thank the All russian line Of,
Tarasenko trennion And You're, off they looked, great you, know
and then at Times term came out on the ice
too and won The diesel draws that he needed. To
SO i do think that The depths guys are pretty
(18:49):
good and they're. Solid there's obviously the blue line is
great and if they can keep both, goaltenders you, know,
HEALTHY i think they're good in that, spot BUT i
like like a no Them. Cadre you, know a guy
that has a little sandpaper to him and at the
same time can. Finish we hear a lot about that
(19:10):
the wild need number one centerment or a number two,
centerment and maybe it'd be good just to have options
and depth in that. SPOT i Think cadre kind of
fits that. Mold but going into the trade, deadline it
doesn't look like there's going to be a lot of.
Sellers like there's a lot of teams still right in,
it and they may be not willing to move some
of their. Guys BUT i look At, toronto, like Is
(19:33):
toronto maybe going to make a big? Move Is Matthews
tavera is one of those guys available that obviously would be,
Exciting BUT i think those.
Speaker 5 (19:42):
Are the names like and we heard some rumors From
scott A bot about O'Reilly And, Nashville like he'd be,
good But nashville three points, out maybe two points out
of the playoffs right, Now, like are they going to
move a guy like?
Speaker 1 (19:55):
That not, sure BUT i think it's going to be a.
Centerment i'd love to see one with some say on
paper Like. Cadrey you, know a little bit of jam
to his, game a little bit of hate because that
STUFF i. THINK i think he has great value in the.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Playoffs what are you gonna do for the next three.
Weeks you can't play with your. Bumblebees you're gonna get
to get out of town at. All go somewhere.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Warm, yeah play the bubble. Bees you know what's, Funny
this is super. NERDY i got to make some. Fonded,
yeah that's. Right i've got to make some sugar fonded
to be able to see the. BEES i got to
get out there when it's like thirty. Degrees SO i
will tend to the bees a little. Bit but, no
you know, what you know what my life is like right, Now,
kevin Is i'm either at the. Rink i'm at the,
(20:34):
rink Or i'm working on the. Rink so If i'm
not at the rink, Working i'm there with the. Kids
and If i'm not in one of those, Rinks i'm
trying to get the outdoor ice here at my place
in tip top, shape Which i've done a terrible job
at this.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
Year it's been, right it's been a rough winter at.
Times Thanks, ryan appreciate.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
It, YEAH i appreciate.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
It, Guys, yeah have.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Fun thanks for having.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Me Ryan carter From Fan Duel Sports Network Wild. Analysts
you get three weeks, off so three weeks, off so do, You.
Kevin you'll be back On february twenty sixth as The
wild will be In.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
Colorado yep and eight.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
O'clock start talking about throwing right into the fire at
back to back road games coming off The olympic break In,
colorado In, utah a couple of late road. Games but
you know, what this team went in on such a.
Role can't wait to see what they look like coming
out of. It and hopefully some guys have some new
jewelry to show off around the locker.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Room we'll Take Wild weekly off for the next couple
weeks as. Well we'll be back On february twenty fifth
On Wednesday. Night we'll talk to you then on Kfan
Weld weekly
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