3 on 3: Trading For A Goaltender

A rare sight in 2013-14: Josh Harding and Niklas Backstrom. Photo: Ann Heisenfelt/AP

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, there has been a lot of talk about the possibility of the Wild trading for a goaltender for the season's final month and a half. So let's dust off the three on three and take a look at the good and the bad about acquiring a new netminder.

A Refresher

Photo: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo/Pioneer Press

The Olympics are over. The NHL returns tonight. There is a slight feel like this is a second opening night, due to the disconnect we experienced from the Olympic break.

But now that the NHL is returning, lets take a little refresher course on the Wild, as they get set to begin the stretch run.

Wild Olympic Update: Finland Takes Bronze over USA

Mikael Granlund (right) had an Olympics to remember.

The Men's Olympic Hockey Tournament wrapped up this morning with Canada defeating Sweden 3-0 for the gold medal. Lets take a look at how the Wild players fared since our last update.

Wild Olympic Update: On To The Semifinals

Mikael Granlund (right) has played the entire Olympics on a line with his childhood idol, Teemu Selanne (left). Photo: Mark Humphrey/AP

After consecutive days of a full slate of games, the Men's Olympic tournament has a day off as the Women's Tournament finishes up with their Bronze and Gold medal games. So let's check in and see how our favorite Wild players are doing.

What Does The Future Hold For Women's Hockey?

Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Yesterday as the United States convincingly defeated Sweden 6-1 in the semifinal round of the Women's Ice Hockey tournament, a rather large debate began on the internet about what the future holds for the sport.

Wild Olympic Update: Scoreless in Sochi

Photo: Bruce Bennett/AFP

Yesterday marked the conclusion of the preliminary round for the Men's tournament. Lets see what the Wild have been up to in Sochi.

Wild Olympic Update: Granlund Scores, USA Soars

Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto

It is day two of the Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. Every Wild player has taken part in one game, and their teams are a combined 3-0. Lets take a look at how the players did:

Follow the Wild in Sochi

The Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi. Phoro: Kevin Liles/USA Today

For those of you paying particular interest to just the Wild players in Sochi over the next few weeks, well then this is the post for you. The following is a complete schedule of when Mikael Granlund, Nino Niederreiter, Zach Parise, and Ryan Suter will be participating in the Olympic Hockey Tournament.

Olympic Hockey Preview: Group A

Photo: Cris Bouroncle-AFP/Getty Images

In what would appear to be the most competitive group, we take a look at Group A today:

Olympic Hockey Preview: Group B

Photo: Petr David Josek/AP

Today we dive into Group B:

Olympic Hockey Preview: Group C

Photo: Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

Greetings everyone. Now that its the Olympic Break (for the Wild at least) I figured to give you a little preview of the Olympics considering it will be the only news worthy thing in hockey for the next two and a half weeks. We will do a little group by group break down starting today with Group C.

Wild At The Olympic Break: Was This Even Possible?

Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/USA Today

Think back to the beginning of January. The Wild were 20-17-5, on a six game regulation losing streak, and watched their three best players (Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise, and Josh Harding) go down with injury. Mike Yeo's job was in serious jeopardy, and one was beginning to think of how good a draft pick the Wild would be getting in the upcoming draft.

Will Mikko Koivu Suffer The Same Fate As Steven Stamkos?

Photo: Scott Audette/Getty Images

Yesterday, Lightning F Steven Stamkos announced that he will be unable to represent Team Canada in the upcoming Olympics. Stamkos suffered a broken tibia in mid-November and tried to accelerate the healing process so he could participate in his first Olympics.

Chad Rau Tribute

The Team of 18,001 salutes Chad Rau's Wild career.

For a more dramatic effect, listen to this song while reading the tribute.

Every so often in sports, you have a particular player who you like far more than you should.

Vanek Watch: Saying No To Garth Snow

Vanek will be waving goodbye to Long Island soon. Photo: Brad Penner-USA Today

Yesterday, Islanders beat writer Arthur Staple reported that winger Thomas Vanek turned down a "substantial" contract offer to remain with the Islanders. In the report, Staple said that the deal was similar to the seven year, $50 million deal that he signed with Buffalo back in 2007.

January Wrapup

A look back at the rather cold month of January in the State of Hockey:

Team Record: 9-4-1 in January, 29-21-6 overall
Standings: 4th in Central Division, 7th in Western Conference