from John Shipley of the Pioneer Press,

After a morning practice at St. Thomas Academy, the Wild took their .500 record (13-10-3) to California for games against the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. They start their trip a point out of a Western Conference playoff spot but, you know, it’s early, right?

It’s not that the Wild don’t have a shot. It’s not that they’re a terrible hockey team. It’s just that they’re, I don’t know, blaaaaahhhhhhh … the same guys trying to be hard to play against with the same competence.

General manager Chuck Fletcher has built a fine team in St. Paul, but this year’s start makes one wonder if it will ever be anything more than fine. The Wild have played in seven postseason series since 2012-13, which has been good for owner Craig Leipold’s bottom line but has done little for maybe the best hockey market in the United States.

Disappointment and frustration are easy to find in the pro sports landscape. So are $150 replica jerseys and $30 team caps. This is where last season really comes back to bite the Local 6. If the Wild continue apace, how many hearts will they capture this winter?

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