On today's episode of Locked on Wild, we review the year 2023 from a Wild perspective! We start with the 2022-23 Minnesota Wild hitting a few rough patches in January and February, before finding their stride into March. We discuss the emergence of Matt Boldy in March with Kirill Kaprizov out of the lineup, and Filip Gustavsson carrying the team with dominant performances all season long. We discuss Kirill Kaprizov's pursuit of 50 goals before his season was unfortunately injury shortened. We discuss the role that injuries to Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek had on the Wild heading into the postseason, and the frustration that followed a disappointing playoff series loss that mirrored the previous year's loss to St. Louis almost too much. We discuss the dreadfully slow start to 2023-24 which led to Dean Evason being fired, and the decisions in the offseason regarding extensions that led to the pressure mounting into the year. We finish by discussing the hiring of John Hynes, how he has righted the ship, and the emergence of Brock Faber and Marco Rossi as key components with the calendar flipping to 2024. All in all it was a VERY eventful year for the Minnesota Wild!

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On today's episode of Locked on Wild, we gear up for a massive weekend against the Winnipeg Jets with the possibility that Jared Spurgeon will be back in the lineup as soon as today. We discuss a possible "changing of the guard" with Brock Faber excelling so much that he can (and should) continue to draw top assignments even with Spurgeon back. We also discuss the possibility that Faber gets moved off the top Power Play unit and where he can still improve. We take a look at how the Jets shifted the entire direction of their franchise after looking like they were going to take a step back in the offseason. We look at how they have managed to keep winning despite losing Kyle Connor, and how Connor Hellebuyck has bounced back to his usual form. We discuss how much of a bump the Wild would get with a win in their playoff chances, and update the Wild Card standings ahead of today's action. We also dive into today's keys to the game, which include:

1. Stars need to shine bright in the biggest games. The Wild need a strong game from Kaprizov-Boldy and Eriksson Ek to set the tone
2. Let the physical players answer Winnipeg's physicality
3. Get to the front of the net to get past Connor Hellebuyck

Make sure to join us after the game for a Locked on Wild POSTCAST breaking down all of the action!

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On today's episode of Locked on Wild, we gear up for a return to action for the Minnesota Wild tonight against Detroit! We start by looking at the latest injury updates for the Wild, with Ryan Hartman returning to the lineup, but Jared Spurgeon not yet ready to come back. We also look at updates for Jonas Brodin and Mats Zuccarello, with both still being a ways off from game action. We preview tonight's matchup against Detroit, with the Red Wings facing a ton of injuries, including both of their regular goalies being out of action. We look at the return of Patrick Kane, and what he has been able to give Detroit so far since he signed. We go through our Keys to the Game, which include:

1. Start the post-Christmas stretch off strong
2. Don't let Patrick Kane take over
3. Can Kirill Kaprizov continue his hot stretch?

We also finish discussing the World Juniors, with Liam Ohgren leading the way for Wild prospects competing in Sweden. We discuss Servac Petrovsky lighting things up so far and how Team USA has done in the early part of competition!

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AG1 - If a comprehensive solution is what you need from your supplement routine, then try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/NHLNETWORK.

eBay Motors - With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to turn your car into the MVP and bring home that win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

Jase Medical - Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.

Sleeper - Download the Sleeper App and use promo code LOCKEDONNHL to get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details.

FanDuel - Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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