Minnesota Wild Franchise (NHL 22 PS4)

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2024 FUTURE WATCH

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Updates from Around the NHL


Storylines and Rumors to Watch

- Scheifele and the Jets Flying High
Mark Scheifele (C, 92 OVR) reached another level in the month of December. When we last checked up on the monthly leaders on December 1st, the Jets superstar had a respectable 29 points in 24 games. That had him comfortably inside the top five point leaders in the NHL. What he did in the last month however was extraordinary to watch. Through 15 games Scheifele caught fire and put up 26 points to take the league lead. It was not only a great month for the 30 year old's personal success but also for team success. The Jets are now right behind the Avalanche for tops in the Central Division. With Scheifele centering arguably the best line in the NHL alongside Kyle Connor (17 goals, 41 points) and Nikolaj Ehlers (23 goals, 41 points), Winnipeg could really turn some heads this season

- Central Scouting Midterm Rankings (Top 10)

1. Aron Kiviharju LD / 5'11 176lbs / HIFK (Liiga)
2. Kim Vikingstad RW / 5'10 172lbs / Rogle BK (SHL)
3. Anthony Carter C / 5'10 171lbs / Owen Sound (OHL)
4. Esa Alavaara C / 5'11 178lbs / Turku TPS (Liiga)
5. Macklin Celebrini C / 6'0 185lbs / Boston University (NCAA)
6. Cole Eiserman C / 6'1 186lbs / USNTDP (USHL)
7. Alexander Zetterberg C / 5'8 150lbs / Orebro HK (SHL)
8. Tanner Howe LW / 5'8 182lbs / Regina (WHL)
9. Linus Eriksson C / 6'0 183lbs / Djurgårdens (SHL)
10. Berkly Catton C / 5'11 160lbs / Spokane (WHL)

- Sabres Continue to Roll

Buffalo is here hockey fans. All those years of losing, tanking and just generally sucking have payed off. The Sabres are currently the best team in the NHL with a 23-8-5 record and 51 points. The youth movement is in full effect and will be SCARY for opposing teams for years to come. The amount of offensive weapons on this team is absurd and they're led by 22 year old Dylan Cozens (10 goals, 37 points) and 20 year old Brad Lambert (10 goals, 35 points). What's really been the biggest change for this team has been goaltending. Ville Husso (G, 83 OVR) has really found his footing as an NHL netminder after coming to Buffalo from St. Louis last season. He boasts a 13-5-5 record and a .922 SV% through 25 games. If he keeps this up he'll most definitely be in contention for the Vezina Trophy by the end of the season. Of course, not to be overlooked is rookie Devon Levi (G, 82 OVR) who is in his first season with Buffalo after completing his 4th season with Northeastern University last year. Playing the majority of the backup minutes, Levi has excelled with a 10-3-0 record and .919 SV% in 13 games. To have two goaltenders performing at such a rate is a big key for the Sabres newfound success.

- Hard Luck Hits in Vegas

Time may be running out for the Vegas Golden Knights to save their season. Through their last 10 games they have gone on a 1-8-1 skid. They currently sit dead last in the Pacific Division with 27 points and a 12-23-3 record. That's also bad enough for the second worst record in the NHL (Boston has 23 points and a 10-22-3 record). They have the 5th worst offense in the league (2.61 GPG), the 7th worst defense (3.29 GAPG) and their starting goaltender Robin Lehner has the third worst save percentage (.897) out of goalies who have played a minimum of 20 games. Losing 50 goal scorer Max Pacioretty (LW, 88 OVR) has proved to be detrimental to this roster, and of course missing out on David Pastrnak (RW, 93 OVR) in free agency would have been a crucial addition. With only three players on this team with a plus rating in Mark Stone (+8), Jack Eichel (+7) and Jonathan Marchessault (+5), it's hard to see where this team goes from here. It's likely head coach F. Smaby's days in Vegas are numbered.

- Calgary's Injury Woes

They've managed to remain near the top of the Pacific Division thus far but the Flames once again have suffered another major injury. Matthew Tkachuk (LW, 90 OVR) is pending evaluation by the Calgary training staff but early reports indicate it is a head related injury that could keep him out for at least a handful of games. Connor Zary (C, 86 OVR) only just returned to the lineup after suffering a concussion a month ago. Noah Hanifin (D, 87 OVR) is still not expected to be back until February 6th as he continues to deal with post-concussion syndrome. He's only played 19 games this season and is arguably the team's best defenseman. Other players who have missed time are Marcus Foligno (LW, 85 OVR) Jakob Pelletier (LW, 85 OVR), and James van Riemsdyk (LW, 82 OVR). Despite all these man games lost, Calgary is still just six points behind the Oilers for the division lead. After taking a major step back last season, this team looks to be on their way to returning to the playoffs.

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[johnstone1987]

This is looking good man