What the experts say

Last update: October 3, 2007 - 6:57 PM

TALKING WILD

How will the Wild end up this season? Well, hockey writer Michael Russo canvassed opinions from experts around the United States and Canada. As you'll see from this sampling of opinion, the Wild's season has a lot to do with Marian Gaborik and how he holds up:

WINS DIVISION TITLE

"Canucks still need a top-six forward to play with [Markus] Naslund, while the Wild's young stars, if they stay healthy, give this team the edge." Prediction: third in the West.

Darren Dreger, TSN Hockey Insider

"Wild take over as the class of the Northwest Division." Prediction: second in the West.

Steve Levy, ESPN anchor

"If Sean Hill plays as well as he did last season, he will make a difference." Prediction: sixth in the West.

Greg Logan, Newsday

"Hard to imagine a team that finished with 104 points sneaking up on anyone, but if Gaborik stays healthy, the Wild will." Prediction: second in the West.

Wes Goldstein, CBS Sports.com

"Try as they may, fans no longer can ignore the danger of their speed and skill." Prediction: third in the West.

Bucky Gleason, Buffalo News

"A full year of both Marian Gaborik and Niklas Backstrom will bring the Wild their first division title." Prediction: third in the West.

John Glennon,

The Tennessean

"Wild will win division and, if Gaborik stays healthy, will contend for West title." Prediction: third in the West.

Paul Hunter, Toronto Star

WILD MAKES PLAYOFFS AGAIN!

"Will lead the league in goals against again, and defense always wins!" Prediction: fifth in the West

John Vanbiesbrouck, HDNet, Vs., NHL Radio color commentator

"The Wild are once again a playoff team." Prediction: fifth in the West.

Scott Burnside, ESPN.com

"If Gaborik's groin holds up, so will the Wild." Prediction: fifth in the West.

Joe Starkey, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

"The Wild need a full year of Gaborik to survive." Prediction: sixth in the West. Aaron Portzline, Columbus Dispatch

"If Gaborik stays healthy, Wild will push for Northwest Division title." Prediction: sixth in the West. Dan Wood, Orange County Register

"The Wild will tread water in the West." Prediction: sixth in the West. Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun

WILD MISSES PLAYOFFS!

"Increased skill level of divisional opponents will squeeze Wild from playoff picture." Prediction: ninth in the West. Adam Proteau, The Hockey News

"The burning question is whether Niklas Backstrom can be as good as he was in his first NHL year." Prediction: 10th in the West. Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal

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