A former Gopher to coach the Wild?

First the good news is former Wild assist coach Mario Tremblay is not going to be the Wild's new coach. That should be refreshing and welcome news to Wild fans that want to see the Wild move away from their BORING defense first style of hockey and at least attempt to push the puck up ice. That doesn't mean the Wild play the trap at some point in their games it just means they will be more offensive focused. It would be an interesting scenario to see an American coach that played college hockey in Minnesota coaching in the State of Hockey; if Richards gets the job. To take a phrase from Danny Barriero of KFAN, 'he would definitely be one of us' (from Minnesota)

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune ----- Local boy Todd Richards still appears to be among the frontrunners for the Wild's coaching vacancy.

According to sources, General Manager Chuck Fletcher flew to California last week to interview the San Jose Sharks assistant coach and former Gophers captain.

The two have been in contact since, although it's unclear how close Fletcher is to hiring a coach.

That's because, according to sources, Fletcher also interviewed former Edmonton Oilers coach Craig MacTavish in recent days and at least had a conversation with former Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders coach Peter Laviolette.

It's believed that Fletcher is also interested in Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Paul MacLean, whom he worked with in Anaheim.

Mary-Ann is back. (John Scott Fight Video)

Well Marian Gaborik is giving us a taste of what we were missing while he was out with his hip/lower body injury. Since Marian's long over due return from yet another extended injury Gabby has played very well, during those three games he has 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points.

In a way I am torn because while I want the Wild to do good, however, I can't help but think that Gabby won't be back after playing all of those years for the Minnesota Wild. I guess you could say that Marian is playing hard and finally back on the ice so he can sign his next big contract. Most of us have pretty much accepted the fact that it probably won't be as a Wild player. (second goal of the night for Gaborik)

During last night game there was a nice scrap by former MTU Husky John Scott as he faced off against Islanders goon Joel Rechlicz. I am hoping that John Scott stays on with the Wild because he can fight and play defense and he isn't as one dimensional as the Boogey man. (Click here for the Fight Video)