Recent content from Michael Russo
Wild's Fletcher, Flahr owe much to late NHL executive Bryan Murray
Murray's hiring of Chuck Fletcher and Brent Flahr began a long working relationship and close-knit friendship that others in hockey were fortunate enough to share.
Coming home: Cullen to join Wild, play 20th NHL season
Native Minnesotan Matt Cullen called joining the Wild for the 2017-18 season a "family decision." He has won three Stanley Cups, and will turn 41 in November.
Granlund, Wild agree to three-year deal with benefits for both sides
In avoiding Friday's arbitration hearing, Mikael Granlund's agent didn't want a multiyear contract to go too long-term.
Niederreiter ready for more ice time after new deal with Wild
After a career year in which he scored 25 goals and 57 points, Nino Niederreiter has loftier expectations after signing a five-year deal with the Wild.
Can Wild avoid arbitration hearings with Niederreiter, Granlund?
Nino Niederreiter and Mikael Granlund are thought to be seeking long-term contracts north of $6 million annually. They have hearings scheduled for next week.
Wild's Boudreau among owners of new Twin Cities junior hockey team
The Tier III expansion team is based in Coon Rapids and will debut its 44-game schedule at home Sept. 22. The Wild coach will attend tryouts this weekend.
Scandella 'all ears' as he heads to Buffalo and coach Housley
Marco Scandella, the second-longest tenured Wild player until being traded, said he's looking forward to playing for Hall of Fame defenseman Phil Housley in Buffalo.
Wild turning attention to signing restricted free agents Granlund, Neiderreiter
Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter, both coming off career years, have filed for salary arbitration. Their salaries will have an impact on other moves the Wild can make.
Wild addresses depth, signs seven on Day 1 of free agency
Veteran defenseman Kyle Quincey was the top signing Saturday, inking a one-year, $1.25 million deal. The Wild signed six others but talks with Matt Cullen haven't led to deal.
Is Matt Cullen on Wild's free agency wish list?
Stanley Cup-winning center could be biggest move team makes on first day of wheeling and dealing.
Vegas-raised Zucker has high hopes for NHL in town where he grew up
As much as Jason Zucker tries to dodge the Vegas strip, he'll have no choice next March 16 when the Wild's scheduled to play its first-ever game against the expansion Golden Knights
As Wild turns to free agency, don't count out a significant trade
All the team's activities Monday indicate a trade could be around the corner. Some kind of deal is needed in order for the Wild to free up salary cap money for free agency.
Bob Woods announced as new Wild assistant coach
Head coach Bruce Boudreau and Woods will coach together for the fourth time.
North stars: 3 from Minn. go in NHL draft's 1st round
While it may have been an uneventful day for the Wild, it wasn't for Minnesotans Casey Mittelstadt, Ryan Poehling and Jake Oettinger. Mittelstadt, the Minnesota Mr. Hockey from Eden Prairie, was drafted eighth by the Buffalo Sabres. And then Lakeville pals Poehling and Oettinger went back-to-back late in the first round.
Koivu knows contract status not a top Wild priority, yet
Wild captain Mikko Koivu knows GM Chuck Fletcher has a lot on his plate before he can even think about maybe talking to him about a contract extension.
After saving defensemen from expansion, will Fletcher trade one?
It's a a good bet Wild GM Chuck Fletcher wheels and deals in Chicago during this weekend's draft. Round 1 is Friday night, Rounds 2-7 are Saturday night.
Leaving the Wild: Haula excited about 'a fresh start'
After being relegated for much of last season to the fourth line in Minnesota, Haula's excited for the new opportunity he'll receive with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.
It's official: Vegas inks Wild's Haula, acquires Tuch
Erik Haula, who could have become a restricted free agent July 1, signed a three-year, $8.25 million contract with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.
Wild monitoring Hossa's situation for salary cap ramifications
Many teams, including the Wild, will be eyeballing how the NHL handles the Marian Hossa situation with the Blackhawks. Hossa's career might be over because of a skin allergy.
Sources: Expansion Vegas team negotiating with Wild free agent Haula
If the Golden Knights sign the former two-time University of Minnesota leading scorer, Erik Haula would count as the Wild's lost player in expansion.
Koivu, Granlund humbled being NHL award finalists in Vegas
The Wild's Mikko Koivu is up for the Selke Trophy, and Mikael Granlund for the Lady Byng. The awards will be revealed Wednesday night.
How high will he go? Mittelstadt rides NHL draft excitement, stress
Gophers freshman Casey Mittelstadt could become be the highest-drafted Minnesotan since Ryan McDonagh, another Mr. Hockey winner, went 12th overall to the New York Rangers in 2007.
Wild and NHL wait as expansion roster deadline nears
GM Chuck Fletcher, trying to keep losses to a minimum, was in trade talks in advance of a moratorium early Saturday afternoon.
Wild makes no moves as deadline passes
With lists submitted, any Wild moves now must go through Golden Knights.
Crosby finds motivation to lead Penguins to third Cup
In hindsight, P.K. Subban probably should have avoided poking the bear and dragging Sidney Crosby into ListerineGate.
Penguins' Cullen, in 'likely' his last game, makes a big impact
The Minnesota native, 40, was solid on penalty kill and won key faceoffs.
Penguins break tie with 95 seconds left, win back-to-back Cups
Former Predators fan favorite Patric Hornqvist returned to Music City, spoiled Nashville's party and delivered the NHL its first repeat champion since 1998.
Matt Cullen eyes another Stanley Cup as career winds down
Cullen has treated this season as his last. His wife is homesick for Minnesota, and he craves the chance to coach his three hockey-loving boys.
Roster dilemmas: Wild facing tough choices as NHL expansion nears
The Wild has complicated expansion decisions to make about whom to protect on its roster, and there are rumors that management is working to make a significant trade.
'Real hockey starts now' as Penguins move within one game of Cup
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel combined for eight points, chasing Nashville's Pekka Rinne from the net as Pittsburgh moved within one win of lifting the Stanley Cup again.
Brainerd's Archibald relishes his rare chance with Penguins
Josh Archibald didn't play in Game 5 on Thursday, but he did skate in Game 4. The rule for having one's name etched on the Stanley Cup is 41 games played or one game in the Stanley Cup Final with the winner.
Former Gophers star Kessel struggling to find his scoring touch
Phil Kessel has been limited to one assist and nine shots in four games in the Stanley Cup finals, a series in which the Penguins are 1-for-16 on the power play. Game 5 is tonight.
Predators goalie Rinne quickly rewards his coach's faith
Pekka Rinne's strong play has the Predators two wins from the Stanley Cup. He is 9-1 at home in the playoffs with a .949 save percentage.
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Predators impress at home, beat Penguins 4-1 to tie Stanley Cup Final
Another strong outing by goalie Pekka Rinne in front of a raucous crowd helps Nashville make the series a best-of-three.
Gophers recruit Mittelstadt gets a taste of the NHL life
After a trip to the NHL draft combine, the former Eden Prairie star has gotten a chance to hang out at the Stanley Cup, where he's trying not to act like too much of a fan.
Family aside, Guentzel's No. 1 fan is former North Stars great Ciccarelli
In 1981, Dino Ciccarelli scored a rookie record of 14 goals in the Stanley Cup. Guentzel, of Woodbury, is one behind the NHL Hall of Famer, who twice scored more than 50 goals in a season for the Stars.
Nashville responds with 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh in Game 3
The Predators struck three times in the second period to take control in Game 3. Pittsburgh leads the series 2-1.
Penguins young and old benefit from Crosby's leadership
Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said it wasn't a coincidence that the 22-year-old Jake Guentzel was placed to the left of Sidney Crosby in the Penguins' dressing room.
Smashville: Predators hockey is hot ticket in Music City
Fired-up fans ready for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final are as fluent in hockey as they are with Nashville's top-tier music.
Power couple: Housleys make sports and politics mix
Phil and Karin Housley have ambitious agendas, be it in the National Hockey League or the Minnesota state senate.
Penguins' AHL call-ups rising to the occasion in Stanley Cup playoffs
There's no doubt a number of Pittsburgh's key players were molded well in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., site of their AHL club.
Penguins stumble, snap back with Guentzel's winning goal in Game 1
After Pittsburgh lost an early 3-0 lead, the former Hill-Murray star came through to break a 3-3 tie late in the game.
Stanley Cup Final will match Penguins' world-class offense against Predators' world-class defense
Talented back end takes on high-powered offense.
Nashville's David Poile is dean of the NHL's general managers
At age 67, highly respected David Poile has a team in Stanley Cup Final for first time.
Wild not worried about losing Russian prospect Kirill Kaprizov
Chuck Fletcher doesn't believe the rumors that the former fifth-round pick will sign a long-term deal with CSKA Moscow.
'Bored' Boudreau still frustrated by Wild's playoff collapse
Wild coach Bruce Boudreau still believes the Wild is a legit Stanley Cup contender, all the more because he sees similarities between his team and finalist Nashville.
With expansion draft looming, Wild preparing for offseason player changes
There's no way around it: the Wild will lose a quality player to the Vegas Golden Knights in expansion. The Wild also has significant restricted free agents to re-sign, including Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter.
Playing with legends, Woodbury's Guentzel is Stanley Cup's top scorer
When he was younger, Hill-Murray grad Jake Guentzel was a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan. Now he's one of them. "It's amazing. You wake up and it's still a dream you get to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin."
Sidestepping negatives, Wild GM Fletcher cites 'remarkably consistent team'
In his season-ending remarks Tuesday, Wild GM Chuck Fletcher pointed to the teams regular-season improvement, not the speedy playoff exit vs. St. Louis.
Wild's Eric Staal feels fortunate after scary crash into the boards
Center improving after concussion, but he laments early playoff exit.
Wild's Charlie Coyle steps up his game in playoffs
Wild's tough, talented winger ditched slump to be playoff force.
Wild's frustration can be measured in big numbers, raw emotions
Statistical advantages are no comfort in a 3-0 hole.
Yeo's Blues show few flaws heading into series with Wild
After Mike Yeo, assumed the head-coaching duties nine weeks ago, the Blues allowed a league-low 1.88 goals per game and a league-best plus-33 goal differential.
Wild enters playoffs at home and on a roll
A poor March seems to be behind the Wild, which finished its regular season Saturday night with a victory over Arizona. Next up: Mike Yeo and the St. Louis Blues.
Kuemper hopes to find bright spot in rough season with Wild
Once upon a time, goalie Darcy Kuemper came through so often for the Wild, fans nicknamed him "The Kuemperor." Now he's trying to hang on to his job with the Wild.
Wild survives weird ending, ties team record by beating Colorado
A waved-off Avalanche goal was overturned twice late in the third period of the 4-3 Wild victory that tied a team record for most points in a season.
Wild players in line for league honors
The Wild could at have contenders for the Norris, Vezina, Selke and Jack Adams awards. Ballots were sent Thursday.
Wild considers resting veterans before playoffs
With home ice for the first round secured, coach Bruce Boudreau is weighing the balance between possibly resting a couple of veteran bodies vs. not taking the proverbial foot off the gas.
Wild wraps home schedule with a win, and a guarantee to return soon
Nino Neiderreiter scored twice for the back-to-life Wild. Tuesday night's victory, coupled with St. Louis' loss to Winnipeg, gives the Wild home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Wild's Staal honored for 1,000th NHL game
The Wild held off the ceremony to honor Eric Staal for playing his 1,000th game until Tuesday so it could come before the team played Carolina, the franchise he captained and drafted him in 2003.
Wild's Haula impresses after a rough stretch
Erik Haula was motivated to perform well Sunday when he saw he was on the left side of Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund. He responded with the game-winning goal.
Winning streak, scoring again prove to be elusive for Wild in loss to Predators
The Wild's solid play of late vanished in a shutout loss.
Stalock, Eriksson Ek provide spark for much-needed Wild victory
Any time the Wild falls into an abyss, it seems some sort of external move needs to happen for the team to climb back out. Two new players were key to the team's 5-1 victory over Ottawa.
Alex Stalock's start the result of a Wild goalie dilemma
With Devan Dubnyk needing a rest, the Wild didn't think it was fair to push Darcy Kuemper in when he hasn't had many practices lately.
A new No. 2: Wild calls up goalie Alex Stalock from Iowa
Stalock, 29, a South St. Paul native and former UMD standout, hasn't started an NHL game since Feb. 2016 after a tough season in the San Jose and Toronto organizations. He'll start tonight against Ottawa.
Wild loses again after Ovechkin's unusual hat trick, Oshie's OT game-winner
T.J. Oshie's second goal of the game 1:52 into the extra session handed Minnesota its 12th loss out of 15 games this month.
Wild brings Joel Eriksson Ek back to provide 'shot in the arm'
The team is hoping the young forward can supply a boost during its final six regular-season games and playoffs.
Best to bumbling: Wild, Washington on different paths since last meeting
Exactly two weeks ago, the Wild waltzed into Washington as the top team in the Western Conference for a best-on-best battle against the East-leading Capitals.
'Dream come true' for Boeser in NHL debut against Wild
Burnsville's Brock Boeser signed his contract with Vancouver after North Dakota lost to Boston University in the NCAA West Regional on Friday. Boeser scored the winning goal for the Canucks.
With team 'leaking oil,' Wild's struggles show in Dubnyk's numbers
In the midst of marring what a month ago looked like a banner-raising season, the Wild needs goalie Devan Dubnyk to return to his earlier-season form.
Free-fall continues as Wild drops fourth straight
In front of a season-high crowd at Xcel Energy Center vs. the Rangers, the Wild held a brief lead but could not hang on and now sit five points back of the Blackhawks.
Wild notes: Assimilation continues as Hanzal returns to lineup
After missing three games and not playing in eight days because of strep throat, Martin Hanzal returned Saturday.
Bottom has fallen out for the Wild in March
Once a fast, structured team that was at the top of the Western Conference in goals, goals against, victories and points, the Wild's game has deteriorated.
Wild slouches home after 3-1 loss to Hurricanes ends rough trip
Struggling Carolina shut down a lackluster effort from the Wild, which has now lost six of eight games as the season hits its home stretch.
Wild, Boudreau battling fatigue factor
In the midst of a busy stretch of 20 games in the season's final 35 days, Bruce Boudreau said he thinks the Wild is cracking because of fatigue and lack of practice time.
