The top Wild stories of 2007-2008

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: April 6, 2008 - 5:37 PM

HERE WERE THE 2007-08 TOP WILD STORIES:

1. Marian Gaborik's healthy season: No major groin blowup led to major growth as Capt. Gaborik set franchise records with 42 goals and 83 points, highlighted by becoming the first NHLer to score five goals in a game in 12 years (Rangers, Dec. 20).

2. Wes Walz's retirement: After six-plus seasons in Minnesota, the Wild's heart and soul called it a career Dec. 1. At the time, he was the Wild's all-time games leader.

3. Kurtis Foster's broken femur: After a violent crash with the San Jose endboards March 19, the defenseman was left with a career-threatening broken leg after 10 hours of surgery.

4. Mikko Koivu's broken fibula: A two-handed chop by Vancouver's Mattias Ohlund left Koivu with a broken leg and sidelined the center for 24 games. But he's returned to be a two-way force.

5. Acquisitions of Todd Fedoruk and Chris Simon: Determined to stand up to all the bullies out there, the Wild got tougher by picking up two notorious bruisers.

6. Brent Burns' development: Projected to take a big step, the defenseman has broken every franchise blue-line scoring record.

7. Mark Parrish's diminished role: Slowly but surely the forward's ice time dwindled to the point he's been scratched often heading into the postseason.

8. Revelation that was Aaron Voros: With the Wild battered by injuries, Voros jumped onto the season in November and provided grit, energy and seven goals.

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