Into The Rafters

I always am finding myself coming back to that clip. Picard and Riker standing on the bridge of the Enterprise after it met its end. Picard's lines are just outstanding here.

Jonas Brodin Signs Six Year Extension

Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA Today

This morning the Wild announced that Jonas Brodin signed a six year contract extension. The deal will expire following the 2020-21 season and will eat up two of Brodin's unrestricted free agency years.

The Fight For Home Ice Begins

Photo: Wild.com

At long last, opening night is here.

The 2014-15 Minnesota Wild: Mike Yeo

Photo: Chris Humphreys/USA Today

If Mike Yeo had any hair at the beginning of last season, it probably would all be gone by the time the season ended. Thankfully, he did not have any to begin with.

The 2014-15 Minnesota Wild: Forwards

Photo: Wild.com

If there is one great strength for the Wild in 2014-15, its going to come from their forward position.

The 2014-14 Minnesota Wild: Special Teams

Photo: Jim Mone/AP

If Minnesota wants to take a bigger step towards the ultimate prize in 2014-15, their special teams will need to see some major improvement.

The 2014-15 Minnesota Wild: Defense

Photo: Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune

The Wild were expected to take a step forward on the defensive side of things in 2013-14. They signed Keith Ballard and youngsters Jonas Brodin, Jared Spurgeon, and Marco Scandella were expected to progress and be big factors for the Wild.

The 2014-15 Minnesota Wild: X-Factors

Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/USA Today

Here's a little rundown of the five players who the Wild need to be impactful for them to have success in 2014-15. They are in no particular order.

The 2014-15 Minnesota Wild: The Schedule

Photo: Getty Images

The new season is just three days away, so lets take a look at some notable dates on the calendar for the Wild.

The 2014-15 Minnesota Wild: Goaltenders

Photo: Andy King/Reuters

Last year, the line for Minnesota's goaltenders was "just good enough is no longer acceptable". Well, they were just that. They were beyond good enough. They were great. Minnesota used five goalies in the 2013-14 season and all five played a role in helping the Wild reach the postseason for a consecutive season.

Postseason & Award Predictions

Here are my playoff and award predictions. I can't wait until I can point at these and laugh!

2014-15 Outlook: Central Division

Now that we have gone through each team in this division, lets predict where they will finish!

2014-15 Outlook: Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg Jets

Head Coach: Paul Maurice (2nd Season in WPG)

Arena: MTS Centre (Capacity: 15,004)

2013-14 Record: 37-35-10 (Last in Central Division)

Record vs MIN in 2013-14: 1-3-1

2013-14 Corsi For %: 49.4% (19th in NHL)

Top Scorer: Blake Wheeler (69 Points, 2.12 P/60)

Top Goaltender: Ondrej Pavelec (22-26-7, 3.01 GAA, .901 SV%)

2014-15 Outlook: St. Louis Blues

St. Louis Blues

Head Coach: Ken Hitchcock (4th Season in STL)

Arena: Scottrade Center (Capacity: 19,150)

2013-14 Record: 52-23-7 (2nd in Central Division)

Record vs MIN in 2013-14: 4-1-0

2013-14 Corsi For %: 52.7% (6th in NHL)

Top Scorer: Alexander Steen (62 Points, 2.20 P/60)

Top Goaltender: Jaroslav Halak (24-9-4, 2.23 GAA, .917 SV%)

Good & Bad: The Remaining Roster Hopefuls

Photo: Wild.com

With the end of training camp/preseason on the horizon, lets take a look at the good and bad in each of the remaining players who are still in contention for a roster spot.

2014-15 Outlook: Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators

Head Coach: Peter Laviolette (1st Season in NSH)

Arena: Bridgestone Arena (Capacity: 17,113)

2013-14 Record: 38-32-12 (6th in Central Division)

Record vs MIN in 2013-14: 2-3-0

2013-14 Corsi For %: 49.4% (18th in NHL)

Top Scorer: Shea Weber (56 points, 0.93 P/60)

Top Goaltender: Carter Hutton (20-11-4, 2.62 GAA, .910 SV%)